BUCYRUS — On Wednesday, April 24, the American Legion Colonel Crawford Post 181, along with the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 181, will dedicate a new United States Flag Retirement Drop Box for Bucyrus and Crawford County.
Spearheaded by the American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Chairman, Brandy Robertson, the project has been a year of planning and raising funds.
With the financial assistance of Thrivent Financial, VFW Post 1078, the AMVETS No. 27 Ladies Auxiliary, as well as individuals in the community, Mrs. Robertson has been able to purchase the stainless-steel drop box. Levi Scott, of Vasil’s Screen Print and Signs, designed the custom artwork for the patriotic flag box. Also represented in the design, are vinyl decals that recognize the veteran organizations who helped to make this project possible.
Brandy had seen one of the flag retirement boxes over ten years ago and thought it would be a great idea to have one in our town. Many people have no idea how to properly dispose of a worn and unserviceable U.S. flag, and this would not only serve a purpose, but be educational to adults and children.
Mrs. Robertson started checking with the post office to see if she could get a used mail drop box to refurbish for the collection box. She was informed that after 9/11 the used boxes could not be used and were recycled for parts and repairs. She next asked a friend if he could make one. After some research, it was decided it would be too costly. The next step was to find one that was reasonable enough and sturdy enough to be placed outside.
With the help of the above-mentioned organizations and several private donations, we were finally able to achieve our goal!
The Flag Retirement Box is mounted outside the front entrance of The American Legion located at 123 E. Rensselaer St. When dropping U.S. flags off, please fold them neatly and drop them in the box. When enough flags are collected, a retirement ceremony will take place.