LAURINBURG — McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium knows how important it is to dispose of American flags properly, and they want to help Scotland County residents to do it.
Representatives of the business encourages those with faded or worn American flags to donate them so that the flags can be properly and respectfully retired. In addition, the retired flags will be placed over veterans at the time of their cremation.
Sherrill Bumgarner, funeral service licensee and owner of McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium, said that retiring the flag in this way is an act of service and honor for veterans.
“We can’t thank our veterans enough for the sacrifice they have given and continue to give for our country,” Bumgarner said.
However, this is just one of the many ways the McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium honors veterans.
The funeral home is also involved in Operation North State, a non-profit service organization that serves to honor and give back to veterans. According to www.operationnorthstate.com: “In 2019, ONS will host its 10th annual NCCARES Christmas Box Project — utilizing NC’s people, places, products and pride to send 1,500 NCCARES Christmas Boxes to North Carolina’s deployed troops.”
ONS also hosts eight fishing festival events for veterans, wounded warriors and caregivers.
Jimmy Bennett, commander of American Legion Post 50 in Laurinburg, said that following the proper etiquette of retiring the flag is so important.
“All Americans should treat the flag with respect,” said Bennett.
In addition, Bennett said that Woodmen of the World Life Insurance donates flags to replace the retired ones. Often, the agency donates flags to organizations such as schools or churches.
Bennett is a member of the agency and encourages anyone who is in need of a new flag to contact him. He can be reached by phone at 910-610-5204.
Jessica Horne is a student intern from UNCP. She can be reached by phone at 910-506-3185 or by email at [email protected].
Leave a Reply