Congressman Sam Johnson Launches “Honor Our Stars and Stripes” Program to Retire Worn Flags

In an effort to meet the needs of constituents seeking to properly retire old and worn U.S. flags, my Plano office will now be accepting flags through my new program, “Honor Our Stars and Stripes.” Folks are invited to drop off their flags unsuitable for display, which will be retired in a ceremony in the spring of 2016. Details about the program will be announced at a later date, and future ceremonies will be scheduled to fit demand.

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. During my nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War in the Hanoi Hilton, we were denied our most basic constitutional freedoms and human rights, and we were expressly prohibited from displaying our national flag. But even the mere idea of the U.S. flag and all it embodies served as a reminder to me and my POW buddies of our fight to protect the values that we hold dear and stay strong in the face of the Communist Vietcong.

As Americans, we must all remember what our flag represents – freedom and the individual rights we all hold dear. As such, we must also uphold our duty to honor this symbol of our freedom. We are proud to be Americans, and we show that pride through the proper and respectful treatment of our Stars and Stripes. That’s why it’s my honor to host this event and to provide this necessary service to the folks in Collin County.

As an additional constituent service, my office can assist individuals desiring to purchase a new flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in order to commemorate a special occasion. I receive no profit from the sale of flags. Ordering options can be found HERE.

For more information on the “Honoring Our Starts and Stripes” flag program, please call my Plano office at 469-304-0382.

Individuals are encouraged to drop off their old, worn U.S. flags at either my local office located at 1255 West 15th Street, Ste. 170, Plano, Texas 75075 or at my monthly Mobile Office Hours. For details about the next Mobile Office Hours, call 469-304-0382 or visit my website HERE.