HELOISE Organizations dispose of flags properly



Dear Heloise: About a month ago, we replaced our worn American flag, which we had used long enough for it to fade and become somewhat frayed. I kept the old one for a while, not knowing exactly what to do with it.
I knew there was a proper way to dispose of the flag, but had no idea exactly what to do. Finally, I thought of a local Boy Scout troop and contacted one of the scoutmasters. He gladly took the flag and said that there was a man who gave demonstrations to the Scouts on how to properly dispose of the flag. In fact, there is a ceremony.
If anyone needs to dispose of an American flag, it should be done properly, and a local Scout troop just might be happy to assist in this area. Sandra in Arkansas
Sandra, this is a hint I'm happy to pass along. We called a local Boy Scout Council, which said the Scouts would take the flags and be sure they are disposed of properly. You could also check with local Girl Scouts, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and American Legion Posts to see if they take flags for disposal, too.
I'm sure there are other organizations that perform this service. We would like to hear from them, and then we will do a follow-up column with the information. Write to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, Dept. F, San Antonio, TX 78279, or e-mail Heloise@Heloise.com. Heloise
Dear Heloise: You published a letter that recommended putting red stickers on the bottom of items in a woman's home so that her family would know what to do with them after her death. I'm an estate-planning attorney, and we call this method "the first one in the house wins!" Stickers can easily be removed or switched by the first heir who gets into the house.
While we would like to think all our heirs are trustworthy, a better plan is a written list that accurately and completely describes each item of either financial or sentimental value. The list can then tell which family member gets which piece. This list should be held by a person's executor or trustee, and copies may be made for all the heirs. There is no confusion then, and no switching! Merrilee in California
Dear Heloise: I wanted to share a caution about copying the backs of credit cards in addition to the fronts. In an effort to control fraudulent use, merchants have been asking for a control code number on the back of the card when you order by phone. Any copy with this number makes use of the card easy if it falls into the wrong hands. Complete copies of credit cards should be guarded like the real thing. Joanne in New York
How right you are! All it takes is the numbers, not just the card anymore. Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate

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