On Flag Day the Olympia VFW Post 318 will host a fundraising dinner and also offer a patriotic service to the surrounding community.
The dinner will start at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14 and conclude around 7 p.m. The menu that afternoon will feature steamer clams and spaghetti, not to mention oyster stew and oysters on the half shell for just $13 per person. There will be bottled non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase and a full cash bar will also be open.
All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward building repairs at the post and then any additional funds will be part of the veteran service organization's monthly donations to the USO.
In honor of Flag Day, Post 318 will also be taking in any damaged flags, which are considered no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the country, so that they can be properly disposed by burning in a dignified ceremony.
According to the Flag Code, flags should never be dipped to any person or thing; the flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general; the flag should never be used for any advertising purpose; the flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
Furthermore, the flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure or drawing of any kind; it should also never be used as a receptacle of any kind.
Finally, when the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
While there is always a receptacle at the building's entrance, there will be a second barrel placed outside that day at 8 a.m. to accommodate the anticipated overflow.
"We are hoping to bring in a couple hundred flags to be destroyed that day," said Jack Seward, who serves Junior Vice Commander for Post 318.
VFW Post 318 is at 2902 Martin Way E., Olympia. The event is completely open to the public and anyone is welcome to drop off worn, torn or damaged flags for proper disposal.