NEWS
Gainesville/Prince William Times | www.princewilliamtimes.com | June 13, 2018
9
Landfill collects tattered flags for ceremonial retirement Prince William County residents can observe Flag Day, June 14, by retiring old or tattered American flags at the county landfill anytime during open hours. “The flag collection center provides an easy and convenient way for citizens to turn in their flags so that they can properly retired by the Boy Scouts,” Deborah Campbell, a communications specialist for the County’s Solid Waste Division said in a news release “This is a free service for residents, as well as businesses.” Local Boy Scout troops collect the
flags and ensure that they are properly disposed of and ceremoniously retired. “Flag retirement is a long-standing American tradition of respectfully and reverently burning flags that are no longer fit to be flown,” the news release said. The American Flag Collection Center, led by Scout Leader Dave Byrne, is a joint effort of the Boy Scouts of America Occoquan and Bull Run Districts, Keep Prince William Beautiful and Prince William County Solid Waste Division. “Let Flag Day serve as a reminder to
take a good look at your current flag, so that you can be prepared to display the nation’s colors for Independence Day on July 4th,” the news release said. If the American flag flying at your home or business is faded, torn, tattered or frayed, it should be replaced. Drop the old one off at the county’s collection centers. The partners who run the American Flag Collection Center consider safety in addition to tradition. Not all flags are safe to burn. For example, American flags made of nylon can release toxic fumes when burned. These flags will be
recycled in an appropriate manner. Flags are accepted at both the Prince William Landfill or the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility. The Prince William County Landfill is open Monday-Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Balls Ford Road Compost Facility is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.pwcgov. org/trashandrecycling for holiday closings and other Solid Waste Division programs and services.
COURTESY PHOTOS
The American Flag Collection Center is a joint effort between the Boy Scouts of America Occoquan and Bull Run districts, Keep Prince William Beautiful and Prince William County solid waste division.
JULY 6-8, 2018 A PERFECT WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY
ELITE EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION OLYMPIC ATHLETES LIVE MUSIC TAILGATING FABULOUS SHOPPING POLO MATCH FAMILY FUN DELICIOUS FOOD COLD CRAFT BEER l
l
l
l
ONLY $25 per car at greatmeadowinternational.com 5089 OLD TAVERN ROAD THE PLAINS VA, 20198
GREATMEADOWINTERNATIONAL.COM (540) 253-5000