Date: May 28, 2009
Contact: Todd Arrington, 440-255-8722
James A. Garfield National Historic Site to Host Flag Retirement Ceremony
James A. Garfield National Historic Site will host a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, Sunday, June 14, 2009. The event is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will be held in partnership with local Boy Scout Troop 383. The Troop will demonstrate the proper method to dispose of unserviceable American flags. All scouts are invited to attend and participate regardless of their troop affiliation. All participating scouts will earn credit toward the Scout Ranger Badge. The public is also encouraged to attend to learn more about the proper and respectful way to destroy the American flag.
“We are pleased to once again host this solemn and important ceremony on Flag Day,” said Site Manager Sherda Williams. “It is a wonderful opportunity for scouts and the public to learn the proper procedures for disposing of flags that are worn, tattered, dirty, or otherwise unable to be used. A National Park Service area like James A. Garfield National Historic Site is a perfect and logical place to hold such a ceremony.”
Public visitors are invited to bring with them flags they wish to see properly retired. Those who have flags in need of disposal but are unable to attend the June 14 ceremony may drop their flags off at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site visitor center beginning Sunday, June 7. The site will also retire one of its own flags during the event.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site is located at 8095 Mentor Avenue (U.S. 20) in Mentor, Ohio, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland. The site includes guided tours of the Garfield home, museum exhibits, and an introductory film. The house was completely restored by the National Park Service over ten years ago, making it one of the most impressive presidential homes preserved for the public. For information call (440) 255-8722, write 8095 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060, or visit www.nps.gov/jaga on the Internet.
-NPS-
