Celebrating Flag Day Celebrating Flag Day (June 04, 2004)

Scout project to retire worn flags with dignity
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

With Flag Day fast approaching, it may be time to replace a worn Old Glory with new Stars and Stripes to show respect for all they represent.

This was the reasoning of Eagle Scout candidate Brian Blank, 14, when he launched his education project on the American Flag.

"The idea for this project came to me one day when we were driving around town and saw a lot of flags flying in different parts of the community that were in terrible shape," said Blank, who will be a freshman at Foothill High in the fall. "It really hit home when a truck drove by with the just the remnants of a flag flying from the back."

"I thought that all of these people had the right idea to show their patriotism, especially after 9/11, but they didn't understand that these flags were in no condition to be proud symbols of America's honor, courage and strength," he continued. "I started thinking about ways to fix this and hit on the idea of sponsoring some patriotic spring cleaning through my Eagle project."

Blank, a student at Valley Montessori School in Livermore, and his fellow Scouts created a flag education pamphlet and a display of tattered flags they have found locally. They attended the Bernal Block Party, Farmers Market and other local events to share their exhibit with people and answer their questions.

"The community response has been excellent," said Blank. "The Pleasanton and Dublin city councils were very enthusiastic and both have passed resolutions in support of the project. I hope to have similar support very soon from Livermore."

The project will end with a flag retirement ceremony at the Fairgrounds being held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 14, which is Flag Day, and everyone is invited to come with their aging flags. Anyone who cannot attend but has a flag to retire may contact Blank at 484-2218 or brianablank@yahoo.com to have the flag picked up.

"Several citizens have donated money to help offset the printing costs from the education pamphlets and others have volunteered to help post fliers about the event," said Blank. "It looks like we already have over 600 flags to retire." Mayor Tom Pico will kick off the ceremony, and Supervisor Scott Haggerty will also attend, he said, as well as a Marine Corps Color Guard. After the flags are given their final honors, the Scouts will take the ashes and deposit them at sea.

"With the support of the citizens of Pleasanton, I know we can help everyone remember that our flag is more than some brightly colored cloth," said Blank. "It is a symbol of our nation and of ourselves."

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