State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107), in cooperation with Troop 270 of the Boy Scouts of America and the VFW Post 308 in Newtown, are encouraging Newtown residents to dispose of their worn American flags in a dignified and respectful way as the June 14 Flag Day holiday approaches.

The two lawmakers have made the flag collection a perfect time to properly retire worn, faded and tattered American flags as residents prepare to put on fresh new displays of the Stars and Stripes to commemorate Flag Day.

Five locations are available for readers to drop off their worn American flags for proper ceremonial disposal according to the U.S. Flag Code. Through June 13, flag collection boxes are in place in the lobby of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street; the Circulation Desk of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street; the main lobby of Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street; the southern entrance of Newtown Municipal Center (near the Office of the First Selectman), 3 Primrose Street; and the lobby of The Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Road in Brookfield.

Additionally, Reps Bolinsky and Foncello will host a final drive-up flag collection at C.H. Booth Library on Saturday, June 14, between 9 and 11 am.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress passing a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation” by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

The US Flag Code specifies that old American flags no longer in service must be properly disposed. The collected flags will be delivered by Bolinsky to VFW Post 308 for a proper retirement during a ceremony outside the post on Tinkerfield Road.

For additional information call 800-842-1423.

Readers are reminded that a collection box for flags to be retired is available year-round within the office of The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road.