Hundreds of Worn Flags Collected at North Shore Bank to be Retired in Solemn, Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11

Public invited to observe as veterans, Scouts to perform traditional flag-retirement ceremony

BROOKFIELD, Wis. – North Shore Bank today announced that hundreds of worn and tattered flags gathered through the bank’s annual flag collection program will be honorably retired in a ceremony at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Stenz-Griesell-Smith American Legion Post #449 in Brookfield. The post is at 3245 N. 124th St. and the ceremony is free and open to the public.

Boys Scouts from Troop No. 449 will prepare the flags and present them for retirement. Veterans with Post #449 will then conduct the solemn flag-burning ceremony, in accordance with American Legion tradition.

"The traditional flag retirement ceremony is a moving and meaningful event, and we invite everyone to join us and show their respect for the flag and the men and women who have served our country," said Carol Herrmann, assistant vice president-branch manager for North Shore Bank and an Exchange Club member. This is the bank's eight annual flag collection that is done in conjunction with the Exchange Club of Milwaukee.

"The Exchange Clubs’ goal is to help educate the general public about the proper way to dispose of a torn or soiled American flag," said Kevin Wolf, president of the Exchange Club. "Our worn flag drive with North Shore Bank was very successful. We are pleased to know that so many people respect the flag and want to appropriately dispose of their damaged flags."

North Shore Bank, headquartered in Brookfield, is one of the strongest banks in the country. It has assets of nearly $1.9 billion and 44 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. Current Wisconsin branch locations are in metro Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Menasha, the Green Bay area, Burlington, Union Grove and Door County. North Shore Bank also has two Illinois State Bank offices in McHenry County, Ill. The bank opened its 44th office in Mequon, Wis., in September. Locations and ATM's.

Posted 11/04/2009