Project to retire worn flags

An area Boy Scout troop is organizing a project to collect and properly retire worn American flags.

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Tripp Calloway, a member of Troop 615, set up the collection and retirement to earn his Eagle Scout badge.

"I'm expecting huge results and would love to see a large turnout," Calloway said.

With help from other Scouts, Calloway is collecting worn flags at the Columbia County Library, The News-Times office in the Publix shopping center in Evans, Wesley United Methodist Church on North Belair Road in Evans, and at Kings Crown in Columbia Square in Martinez.

The troop will be collecting flags throughout January in preparation for a retirement ceremony tentatively set for Feb. 10.

"I've given a flag, also," Calloway said. "My neighbors and friends are extremely supportive of it."

He said the number of flags already turned in for retirement has reached about 300.

Flag retirements often are incorrectly referred to as "flag burnings," according to Scoutingbear.com, a Scouting Web site. Though burning is involved, the appropriate term is "retirement." Flag retirements take place when a flag is no longer in proper condition to fly - when it is worn, tattered or badly soiled.

Calloway said he received the idea of conducting the retirement from his Scout master, who also is his Eagle adviser.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm really excited," Calloway said.