St. Johns County Supports American Flag Rescue Program

• 18 June 2024
• Category: Veterans SJC News District 4 Solid Waste
• Tags: 2024

At the June 18, 2024, St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting, Commissioner Krista Joseph, District 4 issued a proclamation supporting the American Flag Rescue Program. Representatives from St. Johns County Tax Collectors Office, St. Johns County Veterans Services, and St. Johns County Public Works Department attended the meeting to receive the proclamation.

The Solid Waste Division recognized the need for a program dedicated to the proper collection and decommissioning of American flags, a service deemed both patriotic and beneficial to the public. Chris Benjamin of the Solid Waste Division founded the American Flag Rescue Program in 2019 to offer residents a respectful way to retire old flags.

“Every day is flag day in St. Johns County,” said Chris Benjamin.

Since its inception, the program has collected 11,446 flags, with collection boxes located in 31 spots throughout St. Johns County. Seven veterans have enlisted to assist with the flag collection, and VFW Post 2391 has partnered with the county to conduct official flag decommissioning ceremonies.