(Katy, Texas) – The Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is outlined in Resolution No. 440, passed by the 19th National Convention of The American Legion in New York, Sept. 20-23, 1937. The ceremony has been an integral part of American Legion ritual since that date.The American Legion Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 named after killed in action U.S. Army Captain continues to honor his memory and service to his community and was on-sights over the weekend in Katy gathering unserviceable American flags at 7 locations with 14 veterans comprised of Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.
“We volunteer two or three times a year to collect tattered, torn, faded, soiled or frayed American flags with the support of the local community,” says Forrest Croom, Retired Coast Guard Veteran, “Once we gather them from the many locations in our area who help us to get the word out, we will give them a proper retirement either on Flag Day June 14th or the day before, just before sunset.”
The ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags The post assembles in meeting, out-of-doors, at night. Members are aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart, facing each other. Officers are at their stations. A small fire is burning opposite the commander and beyond the rows of members.
Flag Collection Video On-location:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OOTSz6NsiY (YouTube 4:56 min.)
Businesses who would like to participate in the next collection effort may contact the American Legion Post in their area and for Katy residence they may drop them off at the local post preferably folded and in a bag. New flags can be purchased from the American Legion – Flag & Emblem: emblem.legion.org/American-Flags/departments/756/
The American Legion Post 164 in Katy meets every 3rd Tuesday starting at 6:30PM for a social mixer and then business meeting at 7:30PM at 22125 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas. The gathering is open to current members and new prospective members.
Special thanks to participating locations Lowe’s and Ace Hardware, Denny’s and American Furniture, and The Katy Times, Katy Magazine, Katy Christian Magazine, Network In Action Veterans Business Force, Houston Regional Veterans Business Chamber, Katy Area Chamber, Marine Corps League McLemore Detachment 324 and Sergeant James R. Tijerina Detachment 1295, and various other veterans Facebook pages.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 in Indianapolis, Indiana and has gone on to create an illustrious history established on four pillars - Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. To review a complete schedule of activity of American Legion Post 164, please visit: www.LegionPost164KatyTX.org
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