A New York City sanitation worker with a patriotic bent has pulled more than 700 American flags from the trash heaps over the past year, collecting them in order to provide them with a proper disposal ceremony.
“The flag deserves more than a place in the hopper of the sanitation truck,” said Ed Shevlin, 57, in United Press International. “Right now, in my car, there’s a little over 700 flags. The flags get burned in a very respectful ceremony.”
Mr. Shevlin said he started saving the flags from the trash heaps — and ultimately, the city incinerators — about a year ago.
“So many people have died for this flag,” he said, UPI reported. “So many people have been willing to give their lives for this flag. That stands for so much more than any other symbol we have in this country.”
The flags were set for a formal ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, where Mr. Shevlin was also due to receive a commendation for his efforts.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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