ROCK SPRINGS — Boy Scout Troop 70 member Landon Picerno recently completed his Eagle Scout project, which will benefit all residents wishing to retire an American flag properly.
Picerno, a Rock Springs High School senior, finished making two metal, flag retirement boxes for the American Legion Archie Hay Post 24. Both of the boxes will be located at the legion at 551 Broadway Street.
Picerno said a lot of residents proudly display the American flag, but oftentimes they do not know how to properly retire old flags that are tattered and worn. According to the U.S. Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Most residents do not know there is specific way to retire an American flag and often just throw the flag away.
By having two retirement display boxes at the American Legion, residents can simply place their old flags in one of the retirement boxes. Picerno said the American Legion members will host flag burning ceremonies as needed to properly retire all of the old American flags collected in the boxes.
While the project took 36 hours to complete, it was spread out over a two-month time frame, Picerno said.
Picerno was quick to give credit where credit is due, saying this project would not have been possible without the help of family and friends. The metal was donated by the Wyoming Machinery Company, the pipe for the stands were donated by Canoso’s Garage, while the rims were given to him by Burns Towing.
He wanted to thank Zach Barker for his amazing welding skills and Heidi Hughes’ awesome stencil making talents. His grandfather Mike Wharton provided Picerno with a grinder and sander to complete the project more quickly, while his mother Michelle Wharton, helped him throughout the entire project.
During the project, Picerno said he learned patience and how sometimes it takes longer to complete a project than anticipated.
Picerno joined the Scouts when he was in the fifth grade. Over the years, he’s earned more than 21 merit badges and enjoyed participating in at least six Boy Scout summer camps and one National Boy Scout Jamboree.
