Follow RFP Facebook page here
To order flags email Melissa Bird at RFP@steelhope.org or melbird3@gmail.com with date of flags needed and how many.
You can also request a Retired Flag. Any flags that are requested and need to be mailed, we ask that you cover only postage which can be paid by Paypal to Melissa Bird or through Steel Hope donations. Orders are on a waiting list, and will be filled when enough Retired Flags are available.
To donate to Retired Flag Project please choose the drop down and pick Retired Flag Project and all the money will be used for all the things to make the program a success such as detergent, washing machines, dryers, paper, and etc.
One Marine Mom's Vision
Melissa Bird a marine mom started the Retired Flag Project after a sweet friend (then coworker) acquired a flag from a Legion building being torn down, and donated the flag which kickstarted RFP. She came up with a poem and had the thought of doing something to help encourage active duty and veterans alike. Here is in her words why she started folding old flags to give away with the poem she wrote.
"Why do I give away flags?....
is it solely for Patriotic Pride?.....No
Is it solely because I'm a Marine Parent?....No
Although those things are part of it, it's also the Symbolism. It's taking something this is torn up, messed up, dirty, faded, thrown out and ready to be burned--to cleaning it, getting the stains out, folding it to look the best it possibly can, giving it a new purpose, and giving it to someone even if it's just to make them smile or to give them a little HOPE.
We all have scars and imperfections, some visible, some internal, some have military scars, some are from things that have happened in life, sometimes feeling messed up and not worth it, sometimes not looking our best, but we still have value and purpose, even if it's redirecting life's journey and finding new purpose.
We are all still worth it....
We all still have value....
These old flags still have value, so do you!
All that put together is why I give away flags.
This is not a political project, only a Marine Parent, that found a way to honor and share some old flags, and hopefully give a little message of motivation to anyone feeling life has gotten a little "sideways". Keep looking for your purpose, don't give up.
God Bless"
Melissa Bird
Note from Melissa Bird
The Flag Code -- the tradition of retiring a Flag. "The Flag, when it is in such condition that is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Out of respect for Our Flags, and all they stand for, I have chosen a way for these Flags that can no longer be flown, a way to gently continue on and still be useful in a new dignified way. All Retired Flags are cleaned, photographed, folded, tagged with a #, the date folded and recovery location. They are then ready to start a new journey, folded, looking their best, with scars and imperfections no longer the focus. A new home is selected, to bring pride and honor to its new owner for hopefully many years to come. Even though it is an honor to be burned in a dignified way, it is also an honor to find a new purpose, to continue on in retirement. Flags are collected from local Fire Stations, Police Departments, VFWs, American Legions, as well as other local businesses and individuals. Flags are never sold, and never cut up. Once a recipient has received a folded Retired Flag, photos are posted on FB for the new owner to view. If you would like to donate your Retired Flag to this project please contact me. I would love to help find your flag a new home. Flags that qualify for the project: --stitched or sewn on stars (not printed) --stars that are mostly intact (the condition of the stripes does not matter) --cotton is preferred but nylon/poly is also accepted -- actual flags (no banners or decorations) --U.S., States, all Military Branches & P.O.W., Native American Indian, Foreign Countries, (or if you have something different, please email a photo of your flag to make sure) Any condition, no questions asked. Flags that don't qualify, are given to the local Scout Programs for the traditional disposal. You can also request a Retired Flag. Any flags that are requested and need to be mailed, I ask that you cover only postage which can be paid by Paypal. Orders are on a waiting list, and will be filled when enough Retired Flags are available. Just like these Retired Flags, we all have scars and imperfections, some mental, some physical, from military or not, but if you are breathing, you have a purpose or can find a new purpose. To all the Wounded Warriors, Veterans with PTSD, or anyone battling your silent demons, please don't give up. Contact someone if you need help, you have a purpose. If having one of these Retired Flags helps remind you there is hope, and to not give up, or you would like to send a flag to someone you know, please message me or email RFP@steelhope.org or melbird3@gmail.com. The only cost is postage.
United States National Suicide Prevention Lifeline http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 1 800 273 TALK (8255) Veteran Crisis Line (for active U.S. service members, veterans, and family members) http://www.veteranscrisisline.net 1 800 273 8255 SMS: 838255 This is not a political project, only a Very Proud Marine Parent, that found a way to honor some old Flags and hopefully encourage people along the way that : they are important, they are worth it, they have value and purpose. If you have questions about this project please contact me. God Bless You & God Bless America
To donate flags for project check out below
Flags that qualify for the project:
--stitched or sewn on stars (not printed)
--stars that are mostly intact (the condition of the stripes does not matter)
--cotton is preferred but nylon/poly is also accepted
-- actual flags (no banners or decorations)
--U.S., States, all Military Branches & P.O.W., Native American Indian, Foreign Countries, (or if you have something different, please email a photo of your flag to make sure) Any condition, no questions asked. Flags that don't qualify, are given to the local Scout Programs for the traditional disposal.
You can email RFP@steelhope.org or Crystal@steelhope.org as well with questions if you would like.