MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- At least twice a year the American Legion Post 137 holds a ceremony to properly dispose of unservicable flags.
"To many people have given their life for the flag. That is a symbol of our country, our freedom," said Post Commander, Emory Austin.
A new flag flies proudly over Middleburg, but that wasn't always the case. Last month we told you about a weathered flag flying from a tower at Old Jennings Road and Branan Field Road.
"When that story ran, the gentlemen called me that day. He personally brought me those flags two days later. And we took care of those flags," said Austin.
Thursday thousands of flags all across the country will be retired, burned in a fire in a respectful ceremony. "In our case we have a bag piper and we also do taps," said Emory.
It's done every year on Flag Day. But Austin, an Air Force Veteran, says this shouldn't be the only day to remove a tattered flag. And he collects old flags year round to keep them from flying.
"It's unfortunate when one of our veterans do lose their life. But if you notice their caskets are draped in a flag. That's the proper way to take care of it," said Austin.
The United States Army also shares their birthday on Flag Day. President Woodrow Wilson made Flag Day an official holiday in 1916.
