North Shore Bank Branches to Collect Worn Flags Throughout October

Flags to be honorably retired in Veteran’s Day ceremonies

BROOKFIELD, Wis. -- North Shore Bank today announced it will collect worn and tattered flags from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, and work with the Exchange Clubs, the American Legion and local Boy Scout troops to honorably dispose of the flags on Veteran’s Day. This is the eighth year North Shore Bank has held the collection, which has netted hundreds of worn flags for retirement.

Damaged and worn flags will be collected at all North Shore Bank offices throughout eastern Wisconsin. The flags will be properly retired in Veteran’s Day ceremonies in November.

"North Shore Bank has a strong tradition of involvement within the communities where we operate, and we are honored to sponsor this flag collection program for the eighth year in a row," said Sue Doyle, vice president – branch administration. "Many people don’t know how to properly dispose of tattered or torn flags, and working with the Exchange Clubs, the American Legion and the Scouts gives us the opportunity to help our customers and neighbors do so in a responsible, respectful and patriotic manner."

Flying a torn or soiled flag is disrespectful and etiquette calls for flags to be disposed of properly, with reverence and ceremony. Information on appropriate flag etiquette is available online.

"Our American flag is known around the globe as a symbol of courage, strength and unity, and there is not a more appropriate symbol of support for our country," said David Potter, North Shore Bank’s Senior Vice President and an Exchange Club member. "We encourage our customers and neighbors to bring their worn and torn flags to one of our branches for honorable disposal."

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 9/30/2009