Members of the Coaldale American Legion Post 170, the Sons of the American Legion and Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 are hosting their first bi-annual American flag retirement ceremony in the rear of the fire station at 121 W. High St., Saturday at 1 p.m.

There will be a vehicle in the rear of the fire station, for flags to be dropped off.Organizers said that residents can also bring unserviceable American flags with them to the ceremony. They ask citizens to bring the flags as they are, and not remove them from their wooden sticks."The U.S. flag code states that 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, preferably by burning," said Steve Wargo, post commander.Volunteers and veterans encourage residents to arrive 15 minutes early so the flags can be inspected before the start of the ceremony. Members of the Coaldale Flag Committee will be on hand taking donations for new flags, poles and brackets that were destroyed during storms for the second time in two years.Food and drinks will be available.For more information, contact James Rickert, adjutant, Coaldale American Legion, at (570) 952-1129.