The Knottsville Lions Club has installed a new flag retirement drop box outside the Knottsville Fire Department, giving residents a respectful way to retire worn-out American flags.
Wrapped in an American flag design and inscribed with the words “Flown with pride, retired with dignity,” the box was built by club members Jim Higdon, Charlie Lanham, and Larry McCarty. The trio also mounted the box on a concrete pad after receiving approval from Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen.
Lions Club President Tom Millay said the idea was sparked by community members asking what to do with tattered or weathered flags.
“We had several people inquire about how to properly dispose of an American flag,” Millay said. “So, the idea came up at one of our meetings — why not build a drop box ourselves?”
Flags collected from the box will be delivered to the local VFW, where they will be disposed of in a formal and respectful ceremony.
Millay said the project is just one of many ways the 16 active members of the Knottsville Lions Club serve the community.
“Our mission is to serve, and this is a small example of what we do to make our communities better,” he said.
In another annual tradition, the club placed American flags on the graves of local veterans buried at Knottsville and St. Lawrence Cemeteries. The gesture honors veterans from all conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and more.
“There are probably 75 to 100 graves, maybe more, between both cemeteries,” Millay said. “We do it every year to pay our respects.”
The Lions Club also supports local families in need, helping cover costs for utilities or medical bills through community fundraisers.
