Event will honor firefighters.

Ventura – On Saturday, September 11, 2010 at noon, a special “American Flag Retirement Ceremony” will be held at the new Veterans Home of California in Ventura, located at 10900 Telephone Road, Ventura (at Wells Road) to properly dispose of worn and tattered American Flags – those that have served well and are deemed no longer serviceable. “As part of this moving ceremony, we will be honoring the brave men and women who lost their lives on 9-11-2001 at the World Trade Center, and those brave men and women who continue to protect us daily,” said Brenda Manke, Administrator, Veterans Home of California—Ventura.

Tracy Lehr, anchorwoman for KEYT Channel 3 will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Ventura County Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Nester will be the guest speaker.

The American Flag is the most displayed and recognized banner in the world. The United States Flag Code states: "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…” And this historical event, sponsored by American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company and the Boy Scouts of America, is for the whole family to observe and see how the country’s Symbol of Freedom is correctly retired.

This is an educational, family event, free of charge and open to the public. It is a learning experience for children and adults alike. Members of the Boy Scouts of America have been very involved with this effort. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies and their families are all encouraged to attend in their uniforms to participate or be guests of this memorable experience. “I encourage everyone -- Veterans and their family members, members of the Armed Forces and their family members, Veteran Service Organizations, firefighters and their families, the law enforcement community and the public -- to join us at this moving ceremony,” added Manke. “We are very proud to be continuing this tradition at the Veterans Home of California – Ventura.”

To have your flag picked up and replaced for the American Flag Retirement Ceremony, please call the American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company at 805-647-3524 or email paul@AmericanVetFlagpoles.com. In addition, the County of Ventura has placed Flag Collection Boxes at the County Government Center located at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. For more information, please call 805-659-7501.