Staff photo by Fritz Busch From left, New Ulm American Legion Post 132 Commander Brain Krosch, New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor President Dave Hoffmann, former Post 132 Commander Al Gag, Ameriprise Financial Advisor Melissa Lueth and Ameriprise Client Service Specialist Noah Boraas stand in the Post 132 club room before a collection of U.S. flags that will be honorably retired.

Flags can be

left in box

behind Post 132

NEW ULM — American Legion Post 132 accepted a number of U.S. flags for honorable retirement Wednesday.

Flags were given to the Legion by Ameriprise Financial who asked area residents to bring in worn, torn or frayed U.S. flags to ensure they received an honorable retirement. In exchange for the worn flags, Ameriprise replaced them with new U.S. flags.

The U.S. Flag Code reads “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Former Post 132 Commander Al Gag said U.S. flag retirement is sometimes conducted as part of the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Service Project.

No official flag retirement ceremony is required, but disposal is recommended to be private, dignified and solemn.

Worn U.S. flags can be placed in a designated box for honored retired flags in the back of American Legion Post 132 at all times of the year.