Retire old state and country flags in a respectful manner

 

With the new Minnesota flag that came into effect last year, there are many people with the previous state flag with no

proper way of retiring the flag. By each county should be encouraged to host a day within the next year, where the

residence of that county can retire old state and country flags in a way that handles the flags with the respect they

deserve. There are also some people who are unaware of the way to properly dispose of the state or American flag, and

this would provide those people with certainty of knowing that they are treating their flag with respect.

 

Minnesota recognizes the US flag code, and we should give respect not only to the flag of our country, but also to our

state flag. Having a recently outdated flag, there are bound to be people who do not know how to properly dispose of it

in a way that still respects the flag. By recommending Minnesota counties to host a day later on in the year 2026 where

their residence can bring flags that are outdated or in need of retirement as stated in the US flag code, we can show

our old flag the respect it deserves. Although outdated, that flag still at some point represented everyone living in

the state of Minnesota. However, this bill is not limited only to the old state flag. This would also be a good

opportunity for Country flags in need of proper retirement to be brought to those who know how to properly dispose of

the flag. With that being said, it is highly encouraged that the counties work with local VFW posts or American Legions

in order to properly guarantee that these flags are being retired in the proper way

 

US flag code: a code expressing proper and improper uses and handlings of country, state, city, and organizational

flags.

Outdated: No longer current

VFW posts: (Veterans of Foreign Wars posts). Community-based organizations that support veterans and their families.

American legions: Organization that supports veterans through programs, services, and more.

 

No funding is necessary, however if individual counties wish to do fundraising for holding this event, they may do so.

 

This bill is only recommending that counties hold an event to retire these flags, and is not mandated. Therefore,

neither penalties not enforcement is necessary.

 

This bill would become effective when signed.