The American flag represents freedom, justice and sacrifice that will live forever.   All U.S. Flags eventually reach the end of their useful lives.  Proper disposal of the American flag is a sign of respect, honors our history, and is an homage to the reverence for our great nation.

Guilford County Government is partnering with the Register of Deeds and Boy Scouts to announce the Lance Cpl. Christopher Phoenix “Jacob” Levy Flag Retirement Initiative—a free service to Guilford County and area residents.

The Register of Deeds office will collect old worn and faded American flags for retirement in a proper and dignified manner.  Flag Disposal boxes will be available Greensboro and High Point locations each day between 8 am to 5 pm each day.  These flags will then be collected by local Boy Scout organizations and disposed as outlined by the United States Flag Code.

This initiative is part of a national effort led by the National Association of Counties (NACO) to support flag etiquette and Guilford County is taking the lead in ensuring a dignified retirement for the U.S. flag. 

“Retiring the American flag with dignity honors our nations values and what we stand for”, says Guilford Commissioner Kay Cashion, chair of NACO’s Arts and Culture Commission.  “The County is proud to be a partner and sponsor of this effort”.

Register of Deeds Jeff Thigpen says, “In providing this service we will remember and honor those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice”.   The Flag Retirement Program is named after Lance Cpl. Christopher Phoenix “Jacob” Levy, son of Amanda Jacobs, a Gold Star mother and employee at the Register of Deeds.     Levy was an infantry riflemen and machine gunner in the 1/6^th Battalion regimental Combat Team 8 of the 2^nd Marine division.  He died in combat in December 2011 while serving in Afghanistan.

“This effort keeps Jacobs memory alive and those who’ve given their lives for our country as we honor veterans.  We must all remember our freedoms are never free”, says Jacobs.   Each location will have a wall of honor recognizing the 82-fallen soldiers from Guilford County featuring Jacob.   Veterans are also encouraged to participate in the Register of Deeds “Thank a Vet” program that partners with over 300 businesses to provide discounts to veterans.

John McPhail, Guilford District Representative of the Boy Scouts of America is pleased to partner with Guilford County government.  “Citizenship is no more clearly evident than when we do Flag Retirement ceremonies.  That’s why we believe the Levy Initiative is so important.” 

“Guilford County government is excited to support the Lance Cpl. Christopher Phoenix “Jacob” Levy Flag Retirement Initiative”, says Chairman of the Board Alan Branson.  “The service and sacrifice of Jacob and those fallen soldiers should be remembered and this is a great way to do it”.

Flag Retirement Initiative Ceremony Video