Retiring U.S. Flag in Lithonia, GA, Aug. 21, 2021
Troop 1833’s U.S. Flag Drop Box is first location in
East DeKalb County
LITHONIA, GA—U.S. flags worn beyond repair have a new drop box where they may be officially retired, thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Darold Honore,’ III of Troop 1833. The drop box is the first in East DeKalb County to accept American Flags that are no longer in condition to be displayed.
Honore’, 17, presented his community service project on Aug. 21 at Kelly Park, located across from Lithonia City Hall. The Lithonia resident built drop box for retired American Flags, which will be placed at City Hall, 6920 Main St. Honore’s project also included an educational component explaining how American Flags must be respectfully retired as defined by the U.S. Flag Code.
The U.S. Flag erected in downtown Lithonia was retired and replaced with a new one during Honore’s presentation to the city last month. Former Lithonia Mayor Darold Honore (now a City Council member) and his wife, Tammy, and other family members and friends attended the presentation, along with Mayor Shameeka Reynolds and Councilmember Vanneriah Wynn.
“We are very proud of Darold. Any institution—schools, governments—even veterans who have a flag to retire may bring them to Lithonia City Hall,” said the elder Honore,’ who has supported his son’s participation in the Scouts since the younger Darold was in the first grade.
The family has a history in public service. Honore is a distant cousin of General Russel L. Honore, a decorated U.S. veteran and expert on climate control and disaster preparedness. General Honore’ led the security review following the attacks on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. General Honore’ also served as the commander of the Joint Task Force Katrina, coordinating the military relief efforts in post-hurricane New Orleans. He became known as the “Category 5 General.”
The video of Eagle Scout candidate Darold Honore’ III may be viewed here: