When a flag becomes worn beyond repair, people are sometimes unaware of what their options might be for proper retirement of that flag. One Scout, Joey B., has made it his mission to provide people in his community with a great option.

WFAA News shared the story of how Joey focused his Eagle Scout project on the construction of multiple wooden boxes where people could deposit flags that were in need of retirement.

Joey said he has found great value in Scouting as a way to give back to the community. The Scout, who has also worked to overcome Asperger’s syndrome, partnered with local firefighters to place boxes at fire stations throughout his community. Residents in the community are able to deposit worn U.S. and Texas flags in the boxes.

“I call the boxes ‘American shelter homes,'” Joey told WFAA.

“Some people don’t know what to do… they might throw them away,” said firefighter Cole Belew. “What the Boy Scouts are doing here is a really good thing.”

The BSA Handbook states: “A national flag that is worn beyond repair may be burned in a fire. The ceremony should be conducted with dignity and respect and the flag burned completely to ashes.” 

You can find more information about Scouts and flag retirement ceremonies by reading the article, “Everything a Scout Should Know About U.S. Flag Retirement” in ScoutingWire.

To learn more about Joey’s Eagle Scout project, be sure to watch the whole story, including a great video, on WFAA News.

To learn more information about how Eagle Scouts make a significant impact in their communities, see the Baylor University Study “Eagle Scouts: Merit Beyond the Badge.”