PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO A SCEHDULING CONFLICT WITHIN PHOENIX FIRE THIS EVENT IS BEING POSTPONED> WE WILL SEND UPDATED INFORMATION AS SOON AS IT IS AVAILABLE.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Navideh Forghani
Honoring America’s Veterans
newsmedia@honoringamericasveterans.org
(352) 281-0517
Honoring America’s Veterans and First Responders Launch Tattered Flag Project to pay respect to America’s Symbol and Its Heroes
PHOENIX, AZ — Honoring America’s Veterans, in proud partnership with the Phoenix Fire Department, USAA, and 501c Realty, proudly announces the launch of the Tattered Flag Project—a community-driven campaign dedicated to retiring worn and weathered American flags with the respect and dignity they deserve.
This patriotic initiative not only provides a proper and ceremonial farewell to the nation’s flag but also serves as a living tribute to the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and first responders. With collection sites launching across the Phoenix metro area, the program invites individuals, businesses, and civic groups to participate in honoring our nation’s enduring symbol of freedom.
“The American flag is more than just fabric, it is a sacred symbol of our shared ideals, our struggles, our unity, and the freedoms so many have fought and died for. When that flag becomes tattered and worn, it deserves a retirement that reflects the honor it represents. The Tattered Flag Project ensures that every flag receives a respectful farewell, not just thrown away, but laid to rest with ceremony, with dignity, and with the gratitude of a grateful nation,” said HAV Executive Director Paula Pedene.
From now through September 1, community members are encouraged to bring their worn and weathered American flags to designated drop-off locations throughout the Phoenix metro area. Collected flags will be respectfully retired in a solemn and dignified ceremony one day prior to 9/11.
“The Tattered Flag event speaks to the heart of what it means to be American—respect, remembrance, and unity. At USAA, we’re honored to support this meaningful tribute and to be part of a community that never forgets the service and sacrifice behind our flag,” said USAA Regional Site Director and USAF veteran Patrick Fitzhugh.
Event Details:
Time: 7:30 AM – Breakfast for dignitaries and invited guests (inside the Fire Station)
8:30 AM – Outdoor public ceremony with light refreshments
- Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
- Location: Phoenix Fire Academy
2425 West Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85009 - RSVP required: https://honoringamericasveterans.org/tattered-flag-project/
The program will feature flag folding and retirement of the tattered flags by fire, using an incinerator from 501c Realty. There will also be commemoration to remind us of the tragedy of 9/11, along with remarks from city leaders, veterans, and first responders.
“As firefighters and public servants, we take great pride in honoring our nation’s symbols, and none is more sacred than the American flag,” said Tim Kovacs, Phoenix Fire Paramedic “This process is not just a disposal, it’s a final tribute. By partnering with HAV on the Tattered Flag Project, we ensure that every flag is laid to rest in a manner befitting the values it represents.”
The burning will be conducted using an incinerator designed by T. Wayne Cole of 501c Realty. The incinerator he designed, allows for the catching of the ashes which are then disposed of at an ossuary donated by Dignity Memorial.
“This isn’t just metal and fire—it’s a vessel for honor. Designing this incinerator for the Tattered Flag ceremony was about creating something worthy of our nation’s symbol. It’s a privilege to be part of this lasting tribute to our veterans, ” said Wayne Cole, Founder, 501c Realty.
Flag Drop-Off Locations:
Flags may be dropped off at any of the following participating locations between August 1 and September 1:
- Salt River Project, Administration Building Lobby, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1500 N Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85288.
- Phoenix Fire Academy, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 2425 West Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85009
How to Properly Retire an American Flag
According to the U.S. Flag Code, a worn or damaged American flag should be retired in a respectful and dignified manner, typically through a ceremonial burning. The flag is first properly folded, then burned in a solemn setting, often accompanied by the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the national anthem, a moment of silence, or other patriotic observances. If burning isn’t possible, alternatives include shredding and burial, or delivering the flag to authorized organizations.
Community & Sponsor Support:
This program is made possible through the collaboration of Phoenix Fire Department, USAA and 501C Realty and other valued community partners. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact us if your organization would like to be involved.