by Contributor | May 18, 2023 6:00 am
NEW YORK – New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that OGS will today start collecting worn and tattered flags at locations statewide so that they can be properly retired. The collected flags will be disposed of as part of the Memorial Watchfire hosted by the
CNY Veterans Recognition Foundation, with the continuing participation of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 103, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Information on the Watchfire can be found here.[1]<
“With the return of the Memorial Watchfire to the New York State Fairgrounds, OGS is honored to resume its role supporting a Memorial Day weekend observance that honors our fallen veterans with a military tradition dating back to our country’s founding,” Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “We are grateful to the veteran organizations that are hosting and participating in the Watchfire for providing New Yorkers with a way to properly retire their worn American flags.”
OGS has set up drop-off locations across the state for businesses and individuals to bring their flags. The drop-off locations will be collecting donations from Tuesday, May 16, through Friday, May 26.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, “The statewide collection of worn and tattered flags marks a profound moment of reverence and respect for our nation’s symbols. As Commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Services, I am deeply grateful for the Office of General Services’ initiative to ensure the proper retirement of these flags. I encourage businesses and individuals across the state to participate in this noble cause by bringing their flags to the designated drop-off locations. Together, let us honor the sacrifices made by our servicemembers and reaffirm our commitment to their legacy of bravery and valor.”
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The solemn tradition of the Watchfire can be traced back to the Revolutionary War, where a large fire would be started after a long battle or march to help light the way for missing troops to rejoin their groups. Today, Watchfires symbolically light the way home for servicemembers who died or are missing in action. We look forward to the return of the Memorial Day Watchfire at the Great New York State Fairgrounds this month, which is especially meaningful to veterans and their families. By donating your tattered or retired flag, you are playing a part in honoring the sacrifices of these brave individuals. Thank you for helping us honor them.”
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “As Chair of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, and wife of a United States Army combat veteran, I commend the Governor for implementing this statewide proposal for collecting our worn American Flags for disposal. As a strong symbol of the beliefs and values of our country, proper flag disposal is a very important and honorary event because it allows the no-longer-in-use flags to be retired in a way that honors our country and what it believes in. Therefore, I call on all New York residents to join us in this statewide effort.”
Assemblymember Kimberly Jean-Pierre said, “As the symbol of our nation’s unity and values, the American flag deserves the utmost respect at all times, including when it becomes tattered, worn, or damaged. I invite citizens across the state to join us in respecting and preserving our country and applaud Governor Hochul for ensuring that worn-out flags are retired with dignity.”
The drop-off locations are as follows:
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