By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
When Old Glory starts to fade, it’s time for a dignified retirement. Residents across Moore County have a year-round option for honoring American flags at the end of duty.
A network of eight flag collection boxes, located from Seven Lakes, to Carthage and Aberdeen, allows residents to drop off flags that are torn, faded or no longer suitable for display. The boxes were built and installed several years ago by Seven Lakes resident Chuck Spelman and the Sandhills chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
Spelman maintains the boxes and sorts the collected flags. Those that are no longer usable are sent to Boles Funeral Home and Crematory for proper cremation. He says cremation is preferred because many modern flags are made with synthetic materials that can release toxins if burned.
Not all of the flags collected need to be retired. Spelman has accumulated upwards of 80 flags that are still in good condition. In the past he has redistributed those flags himself, going door to door in his neighborhood and offering replacements for worn flags.
Now unable to keep up his previous level of outreach, Spelman is looking for residents willing to take and properly display the flags still in good condition.
Residents who would like to wave a flag are encouraged to request one by calling him at (910) 975-1905. Spelman said he is giving them away at no cost with the goal of having the colors flown and properly maintained.
In addition to the collection program, Spelman makes and donated wooden American flags to local schools, fire departments and community groups.
The flag retirement effort provides a simple way for people to comply with flag etiquette. Flags should be retired when they are significantly faded, torn or frayed rather than discarded.
Collection boxes can be found at sites including the community centers in Seven Lakes, the Southern Pines Post Office, the Moore County Veterans Services office and other public locations. One box near the airport is consistently full, Spelman said.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
