The Manheim Township Police Department invite the public to the inaugural United States Flag Retirement Service and Ceremony at Oregon Dairy (1289 Creek Road, Lititz, PA, 17543), on Saturday, September 3rd at 7:00 pm.
The ceremony will be featured at Oregon Dairy’s “Celebration of America” which will include military exhibits, Civil War and Revolutionary War Reenactors, patriotic music by the Ringgold Band, food trucks, a corn maze, and fun farm activities.
The Manheim Township Police Department has collected over 1,800 tattered and torn Unites States flags in the last five months, and will respectfully retire the collection during this event.
The public are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, as well as any worn, torn, or tattered Unites States flags that they would like to include in the ceremony.
Tickets are required to attend this “Celebration of America” event, and they can be purchased at this link - bit.ly/MTPD-Flag-Ceremony. If you are attending ONLY the flag retirement ceremony at 7 pm, there is no charge, but you still need a ticket for admission.
The idea for building the box from scratch and collecting flags, came from MTPD Officer Mark Shivers, a 12-year patrolman. He was inspired by the Patriotic Order Sons of America who promote patriotism and love of the United States of America.
“They have a similar tattered flag box at a grocery store I frequent, and as a member, and someone responsible for collecting the flags from that box, I was amazed at how many flags were deposited,” said Officer Mark Shivers. “I was so proud to see how the flags were deposited. Although the flags were no longer serviceable, people still took the time and care to fold the flags neatly, with dignity and respect.”
Officer Lucas Starsinic also helped formulate the plan, as well as build and paint the box. Detective Nicholas Fritz did the laser engraving on the box cover. The entire project took 3-4 hours to build, including painting.
Officers Starsinic and Shivers plan on regularly checking the box and collecting flags that have been left at the Oregon Dairy location.
“We have a great relationship with the MTPD and love to support their events throughout the year, said Nancy Brown, Marketing Manager at Oregon Dairy. “When officer Mark Shivers emailed us about the possibility of placing their hand-made Tattered U.S. Flag Collection Box at our location, we didn't hesitate. It's great to offer a place for our community to bring their American Flags to be properly retired.”
To learn more about "Celebration of America," please click here - bit.ly/MTPD-Flag-Ceremony