Celebrated annually on June 14, Flag Day is a day that commemorates the adoption of the United States flag as a national symbol on June 14, 1777. Today, the flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stars represent the 50 states of the Union, the red stripe symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Part of treating the flag with respect is knowing how to properly dispose of a damaged flag. Flags that are damaged should never get tossed in the garbage. At the Sacramento County Department of Waste Management and Recycling, employees Barron R. Hill, John Graham, Sean Crawford and Arminder Bahia and others ensure that worn-out flags that are proudly displayed at the North Area Recovery Station and Kiefer Landfill are sent for a proper flag retirement ceremony – an important ritual to preserve the dignity of the U.S. flag. Barron also monitors when flags are ordered to Half-Staff and notifies the department facilities that have flags.
The U.S. Department of Defense provides information on How to Properly Dispose of Worn-Out U.S. Flags. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also provides guidance on properly displaying the flag, flag folding, flag disposal and conducting flag retirement ceremonies. Certain civic organizations, like the VFW and Boy Scouts of America youth troops, will collect tattered flags for proper ceremonial disposal, as well.
The Department of Waste Management & Recycling (DWMR) manages the operations, maintenance, and development of the solid waste management system within unincorporated Sacramento County. DWMR’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County by providing:
- Solid waste management and recycling programs in a fiscally responsible manner;
- Public and employee health and safety;
- Stewardship of our natural resources and environment;
- Consumer protection; and
- Outstanding customer service.
