Question: I was wondering what I could do with an American flag that I have held onto for over 40 years. It was draped over my dad’s casket at his funeral because he had a veteran’s funeral. I have had it wrapped up for safekeeping in my closet all this time. It is in pristine shape and made of very heavy-duty cloth. Is there a veterans association or somewhere I can donate it? I just feel that someone could get better use from it than myself.
Answer: Yes, we found several organizations willing to help, including the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, state Office of Veterans’ Services, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Aiea retailer Flags n’ Things.
If your flag is in good condition, it might end up being displayed, such as in a flag array at a veterans cemetery on Memorial Day, said Jayme Nagamine, a spokeswoman for the OVS.
However, given its age, your flag may be discolored or permanently creased, which would not be apparent until it is unfurled. If your flag turns out to be in poor condition, it would be ceremoniously retired, in keeping with the U.S. Flag Code, which says that “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.”
There’s an islandwide flag- retirement ceremony held every year or so, generally around Flag Day (June 14), at a VFW facility near Keehi Lagoon, where flags can be safely and respectfully destroyed.
Retired flags made of cloth, such as cotton or wool, are suitable for ceremonial burning, while those made of synthetic material such as nylon or polyester could instead be cut up in a prescribed manner (leaving the blue star field intact) and disposed of; either method involves a ceremony.
You can bring or mail your flag to the front office of any of the following organizations, where it would be considered for display or retirement, depending on its condition.
>> National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813; phone 532-3720.
>> Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, 45-349 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744; phone 369-3575.
>> Any branch of the state Office of Veterans Services, which has locations statewide. See dod.hawaii.gov/ovs for contact information.
>> VFW Department of Hawaii, 438 Hobron Lane, Suite 407, Honolulu, HI 96815; phone 946-7250.
>> American Legion, 612 McCully St., Honolulu, HI 96826; phone 946-6383.
>> Flags n’ Things, 98-029 Hekaha St. No. 38, Aiea, HI 96701; phone 488-4949.
Mahalo
I was involved in an accident in Kaneohe on March 28 in which my car was badly damaged. Although I was not injured, I was sitting in my car in shock, in a state of total confusion, when two wonderful women came to my aid. They gently helped me out of my car and sat me in a shaded area until the police and emergency personnel arrived. These two strangers, who I heard were an aunt and a niece, never left my side. They sat with me, held my hand and comforted me and left only after the police and ambulance had finished their business and a family member had come for me. The reason for my writing is that I don’t believe I thanked them as well as I should have on that day. One women was called Aina. I’m sorry I did not get the other woman’s name. I hope they will see this in the paper and know how very grateful I am for the wonderful kindness they showed me that day. They even called my son the next day to ask how I was doing. I want them to know that I am OK and doing well and will always remember them as my beautiful guardian angels. I offer them my most sincere mahalo! — Kaneohe grandma
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
