An Elmhurst Boy Scout from Troop 82 – Immanuel Lutheran Church created a flag reclamation project to help earn Eagle Scout status while supporting the local American Legion chapter. Each year hundreds of thousands of flags are disposed of improperly in the garbage. Christian Glosner, the 15-year-old Eagle Scout candidate, created the project so flags could be collected and appropriately retired by his troop at monthly outings.
Christian organized a group of volunteers to help build three boxes used to claim old or retired American Flags. Significant physical work, planning, organization and delegation were important parts of this project. Traditionally, the Elmhurst American Legion has retired flags around Flag Day (June 14th) each year, but the effort and time required has become a little burdensome for the legion members. This project will help the Elmhurst community and veterans.
The three boxes are located at various locations in Elmhurst – one is in the lobby of City Hall, one is in the lobby of the American Legion on Spring Street and the third is in the main entrance of the Elmhurst Public Library. Nearly 200 flags have been gathered to date.