Eagle Scout project helps American Legion with flag collection

Derek Huff and Stas Schebella with the flag donation receptacle Derek made for his Eagle Scout project. Photo courtesy Derek Huff.

by Marsha Chartrand

“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” (Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony, U.S. Flag Code.)

The American Legion Post 117 has traditionally carried out flag-burning ceremonies, most recently last November (see photo below) when they were assisted by the Boy Scouts Troop 426.

Although Derek Huff was not part of the group who helped out that day, he has assisted with flag-retirement ceremonies with the Boy Scouts on other occasions. When he learned from Scout leader and Legionnaire Stas Schebella that the Legion needed a receptacle for the flags they collect throughout the year, he decided to make it his Eagle project.

Derek planned his project carefully. It’s shaped so it can be left outdoors for the public to dispose of their old or torn flags. “It’s designed to push the water off so it doesn’t collect on top,” Derek explained. “It also is large with room for many flags, because the Legion gets a lot of flags each year.”

The receptacle is also on wheels, so it can be easily maneuvered to the burning area from where it’s currently located behind the Legion porch. He painted it attractively, in a manner befitting its purpose, and it will remain there for local residents to dispose of their unusable flags and be assured they will be discarded in a respectful way.

Derek has been a Boy Scout since starting out as a Tiger Cub in first grade and now is ready for the ultimate step in Scouting, the Eagle award. A recent (2023) graduate of Manchester High School, he played football, soccer, and track and field in addition to participating in Boy Scouts. He now looks forward to his Board of Review for Eagle Scout in September.

He takes pride in his project and knowing that it has turned out successfully; he hopes it will be well-used for many years and that his community of Manchester now has a better resource for the disposal of their American flags. Thank you, Derek, for your dedication to your troop, your project, and your community!

The act of properly retiring damaged American flags is prescribed in the Flag Code. Photo by Marsha Chartrand.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.