By: Sharon Aron Baron
Thanks to one community association, Tamarac residents now have a flag drop-off box for all of those patriotic residents that don’t have a place to dispose of their damaged or tattered flags until they can be retired.
The box now conveniently located at Veterans’ Park will allow residents to drive up and drop off their flags into what resembles a mailbox. But don’t mistake it for one because prominently displayed on the outside are the words “American Flag Retirement Box,” and in front of the slot, it reads, “We gladly accept your worn flags to be properly retired with honor and respect.
After seeing a flag retirement box in Coral Springs, I presented this to the Tamarac City Commission back on April 8 and showed them images of the flag dropbox installed in front of their gymnasium. I knew that with all our Veterans and patriotic residents, this would go over well.
The U.S. Flag code states that “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.” Thus, when a flag is torn and tattered beyond repair, it’s time for it to be retired.
Fortunately, Lee Viverette, President of the Woodmont Community Association, watched me during my presentation online. He, along with other members of the Woodmont Community Association (WCA) board, thought it was a good idea, and in turn, voted to fund the flag box as their contribution to the community.
The WCA, formerly known as the Woodmont Property Owners Association, is no longer a typical HOA. “We were originally formed to be a voice for all the communities, but that day has gone. The whole makeup of the community is gone because we’re younger, more diverse, and we’re no longer a country club community.”
Viverette said that this past year they wanted to take the association in a different direction. Now they are fee-based – not an assessment-based membership made up of community-minded individuals. In turn, they provide information outside of their individual associations on politics and news and discounts on service contracts with alarm and appliance service companies.
Viverette, along with Parks and Recreation Director Greg Warner, was invited to the Veteran’s Affairs Committee meeting in May, where they discussed the flag box. Vice Mayor Pam Bushnell, who also serves on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee, also loved the idea, he said.
Once the mailbox is full, the Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible for bringing the flags to the Veterans Coalition, where they will be properly retired.
On August 26, a ceremonial check presentation from the Woodmont Community Association at the City Commission Meeting at City hall will be presented.
Tamarac Veterans’ Park is located at 7825 Southgate Blvd. Tamarac, FL 33321
