Local Girl Scout Will Retire Flags

     PEMBROKE PINES, FL --- Seventeen year old, high school junior and Senior Girl Scout, Jenna Tighe will earn the Gold Award (the highest achievement in Girl Scouting) by holding an American Flag drive for official flag retirement ceremonies through Memorial Day weekend.
     
     In the wake of our national tragedy on September 11, 2001, Americans everywhere frantically searched for and purchased American flags. Tighe noticed, in the five months following the noticeable amount of American flags with visible wear and tear – especial those that have been flying on automobiles. Un acceptable conditions include deterioration of the flag, fading, shredding, ripping, visible dirt and grime, torn fabric, damaged halyards, and grommets that cannot be repaired. As a life long Girl Scout, Tighe knew these American flags in this condition should be retired with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation’s most adorned symbol.
     
     As part of her Goal Award community service project, Tighe hopes to inform the community of the need to correctly retire their tattered American flags. All flags will be retired during the flag burning ceremonies in a respectful and dignified manner as required by Federal Law. Only active, or retired military personnel and Boy and Girl Scouts may lead such a flag-retirement ceremony.
     
     In order to collect flags from the community, Tighe has made community partnerships with various local businesses. The general public may drop-off their American flags at the following locations: Girl Scouts of Broward County Service Center (4701 NW 33rd Avenue, Oakland Park); any Broward County Maroone car dealership; any Broward County CVS Pharmacies; Trade Center South Bldg. (100 W. Cypress Creek Rd. Ft. Lauderdale); Pembroke Pines City Hall (Pines Blvd. and Palm Avenue); and Admiralty Bank (Broward Blvd. in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale).
     
     The public is encouraged to include their name and address attached/pinned to their flag, and they will receive an official retirement certificate noting the date and location the flag was retired. Tighe’s service project will continue through Memorial Day weekend (May 25, 2002). For more information, or fro a drop-off location near to you, e-mail Tighe at RetireFlag@AOL.COM.