When an American flag becomes tattered or shows signs of extended use, it’s time to replace the flag. But not everyone knows that there is a proper procedure for disposing of the old flag.

The American Legion has performed the ceremony for disposal of unserviceable flags for decades, and in Katy, members of the American Legion Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 gathered such flags at seven locations with 14 veterans comprised of Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

“We volunteer two or three times a year to collect tattered, torn, faded, soiled or frayed American flags with the support of the local community,” Forrest Croom, retired Coast Guard veteran, said. “Once we gather them from the many locations in our area who help us to get the word out, we will give them a proper retirement either on Flag Day June 14th or the day before, just before sunset.”

The post is named after Rozier, a U.S. Army captain killed in action.

The Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is outlined in Resolution No. 440, passed by the 19th National Convention of The American Legion in New York, Sept. 20-23, 1937. The ceremony has been an integral part of American Legion ritual since then.

In the ceremony, post members meet out-of-doors, at night. Members are aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart, facing each other. Officers are at their stations. A small fire is burning opposite the commander and beyond the rows of members.

Businesses who would like to participate in the next collection effort may contact the American Legion Post in their area. Katy residents can drop them off at the local post, preferably folded and in a bag.

New flags can be purchased from the American Legion through its website.

The American Legion Post 164 in Katy meets every 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for a social mixer and then business meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 22125 Kingsland Blvd. The gathering is open to current members and new prospective members.

The American Legion was founded in 1919 in Indianapolis and has gone on to create an illustrious history established on four pillars - Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. To review a complete schedule of activity of American Legion Post 164, please visit the website LegionPost164KatyTX.org.