WASHINGTON, D.C. - This Saturday, June 18, 2016, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) invites North Texans to join him at his inaugural "Honor Our Stars and Stripes" flag decommissioning ceremony in Frisco, Texas. The event will be held with participation from community leaders as well as various service, veteran, and civic associations. Event details, including participant information and what attendees are encouraged to bring, are listed below.
On Flag Day, Congressman Johnson took to the House Floor to further speak about this important ceremony and encourage community-wide participation:
"This week we celebrate Flag Day, a special day when we reflect on what our American Flag stands for and how blessed we are to live in this Great Nation that celebrates freedom. I believe this reflection is particularly important given this weekend's ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in Orlando - the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. We must remember that there are those who seek to destroy our way of life. And we also remember that freedom must be actively defended."
"So as our American flag waves proudly and we reflect on its symbol of hope, I invite Collin County folks to join me this Saturday for a special event that I will be hosting - the inaugural 'Honor Our Stars and Stripes' flag retirement ceremony. I hope you will join me for this unique program that honors our flag and our country's unique founding. God bless America, and I salute you."
Event Details:
Saturday, June 18
10:30 am
Veterans Memorial at Frisco Commons Park
8000 McKinney Road, Frisco TX
*Due to time limitations, some flags will be decommissioned at a later time.
*Future ceremonies will be scheduled to fit demand.
For more information on the “Honoring Our Starts and Stripes” flag program, please call Congressman Johnson’s Plano office at 469-304-0382.
Participation by:
OldWornFlag.com
City of Frisco
Dallas Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
The Lone Star Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Honor Guard (rifle volley)
Frisco Mayor Maso
Boy Scout Troops 22 and 216
Musical guests:
Wakeland High School student, vocal performance
Lt. Brian McConnaughy, Frisco Fire Dept. Bagpipers
Bugles Across America
What to Bring:
Lawn chairs are encouraged. Select seating will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, with elderly and handicapped attendees given priority seating.
If attendees wish to stay after the ceremony to help dismantle additional flags, they are encouraged to bring an extra pair of scissors. When properly retiring unserviceable American flags, the blue canton should be cut out and the red and white stripes should be burned first because they represent the original 13 colonies.
If you have an unserviceable American flag:
According to the U.S. Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Flags are considered to be unserviceable when they are torn, soiled, faded, or frayed. If you have a flag in these conditions, you are invited to drop it off at Congressman Johnson’s Plano office located at 1255 West 15th Street, Ste. 170, Plano, Texas 75075. You may also take the flag to one of Johnson’s Monthly Mobile Office Hours across the district. For details about the next Mobile Office Hours (June 15th), call 469-304-0382 or visit Johnson’s website.
If you would like to purchase a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol:
As an additional constituent service, the office of Congressman Johnson can assist individuals desiring to purchase a new flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in order to commemorate a special occasion. Congressman Johnson receives no profit from the sale of flags. Ordering options can be found on Johnson’s website.
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