Monty Now Has a U.S. Flag Retirement Box

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted June 29, 2023

Lucas Clark, 17, has created a way for Montgomery residents to dispose of their U.S. flags in a meaningful and respectful manner.

Lucas Clark

For his Eagle Scout project, Clark has installed a flag retirement drop box in the lobby of the Montgomery municipal building off Orchard Road. “In my eight years of living in Montgomery, I realized there was no convenient way to dispose of our old American flags that are ready for retirement,” Clark told The Montgomery News.

A veteran salutes the flag after depositing it in Clark’s flag box.

Once the box is full, a Boy Scout Troop 850 member will collect the flags and the troop will store them respectfully ahead of a ceremonial burning. The first burn ceremony is scheduled for September 11 at the Princeton Elks Lodge on Route 518 in Montgomery. “As a Boy Scout, U.S. Flag etiquette is important,” he said.

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Clark just finished his junior year at Montgomery High School, where he plays football, is a member of the wrestling team, and throws the javelin on the track team. He says he plans to attend a Naval Academy invitational event this summer. After high school, he intends to join the Navy.