According to the U.S. Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
This is known as retiring the flag. Flag retirement is accomplished by folding the emblem in the traditional triangular shape, observing a moment of silence or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, then burning the folded flag in a fire large enough to completely consume it.
According to American Legion Commander Ray Corbett, the Legion receives many damaged flags from individuals and organizations at ceremonies and events they attend throughout the year. They also collect the flags from veterans’ graves in local cemeteries prior to the winter months to ensure that these faded emblems are properly disposed of. Often, damaged flags are left outside local Police and Fire Stations, because individuals don’t know how to dispose of them properly. The Legion stores these flags until they hold an annual Flag Disposal Ceremony in conjunction with local Boy Scouts.
Now, anyone in the Mantua area wishing to properly retire a flag has two specially constructed receptacles to gather old glory until it can be properly retired. These special, weatherproof collection boxes were created by BSA Life Scout Brenton Mason. Mason began scouting at the age of seven, attracted by the variety of activities that scouting provided. Over the 10 years he’s been involved, he’s earned 90 merit badges for things like camping skills, space exploration, and engineering. He’s developed lasting friendships and pushed himself in many leadership roles as well.
In his time with scouting, Mason became a staff member at the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and was nominated to the Order of the Arrow. He also served on summer camp staff at Camp Manatoc in Penninsula as Assistant Soccer Director, Assistant Shotgun instructor, and Vice Chair of Programs. Now a senior at Maplewood, Mason completed this project with the hope of helping his community and completing his time with Boy Scouts by earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
As a young scout marching in Memorial Day parades each year, Mason would thank the men and women in uniform for their service. He understood and valued their sacrifice, since his father also served in the military. “One year, they needed someone to fill in,” Mason noted. “I was asked to carry the American flag because they knew me from years prior.” Mason noted that after the parade, the conversation turned to the annual flag retirement ceremonies the Legion holds each year. “They talked about the number of flags they receive each year, and that many times, they’re received at the Fire or Police Departments in trash bags. That’s when the idea first occurred to Mason that he should do something to help. When he was ready to pursue his Eagle Scout project, he reached out to the Legion.
“I contacted Mr. Corbett and pitched my idea,” Mason noted, “and he loved it.” After that, Mason started planning and gathering materials for collection boxes for damaged flags for retirement. He designed boxes that could withstand weather, making them available for proper flag collection 24/7. One box is located outside the American Legion Post in Buchert Park, while the other can be found outside the Mantua Police Department. All flags collected will be officially retired by the American Legion and Boy Scouts, typically on Flag Day.
Mason worked on the project with help from his father, Anthony. “My dad and I would often brainstorm, and bounce ideas off each other. He ended up being pretty integral overall. He helped me cut and get the materials ready for the workdays. He was also a crucial part in transporting the materials and built boxes.” The materials and supplies for the project were donated by the 10/6 construction company in North Royalton.
Mason noted gratitude to his father for being involved in his scouting experience as a whole. A scout himself, his dad served as Assistant Scoutmaster and served on a variety of committees as well. “He would take me to and from camp and meetings no matter how far away,” Mason reflected. “I also owe a lot of experiences I’ve had to him driving me to scouting events.”
Some time in the new year, Mason will present his project to a Board of Review to hopefully earn the rank of Eagle Scout. While he’s already earned a whopping 90 merit badges, he hopes to complete an even 100 before his time as a scout concludes. After graduation in May, he plans return to the Order of the Arrow to finish his term as an officer and to the staff at Camp Manatoc staff. He’ll pursue a job in Applied Engineering and Machining – his course of study at Maplewood and has plans to study aerospace engineering or astronomy in college.
