Jessamine County began offering a new service to residents who choose to dispose of our nation’s flag last week during National Flag Week.

Provided by the National Association of Counties and the Kentucky Association of Counties in partnership with the National Flag Foundation, a flag retirement box has been placed at the Jessamine County Courthouse, located at 107 N. Main St. The service is free for those who wish to dispose of their tired or weathered American flag.

“This is just another service we can do that brings tribute to the people who choose to fly a flag,” Judge-Executive David West said. “When it becomes tattered or warn, they can bring it to the courthouse and we will make sure they are disposed of in an honorable manner.”

The U.S. Flag Code offers flag etiquette on anything from flying an American flag near another flag, to instructions on how to raise and lower it.

When an American flag is in such condition it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, flag etiquette says it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.

“This is an excellent program that county residents can benefit from and we are excited to partner with the National Flag Foundation and NACo to make this available to the counties,” Brian Roy, KACo executive director, said. “It is an important initiative.”

Members of the Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion are responsible for the pickup and disposal of the retired flags. Flags should be folded respectfully before being placed in the box for disposal.

“We are pleased to provide these flag retirement boxes,” NACo Executive Director Mathew Chase said. “Helping residents properly dispose of warn U.S. flags is consistent with our commitment to public service and community engagement.”