Illinois State Bank Branches To Collect Worn Flags Throughout October

Flags to be honorably retired in Veteran's Day ceremonies

LAKE IN THE HILLS, Ill. - Illinois State Bank today announced it will collect worn and tattered U.S. flags from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, and work with the Exchange Clubs, the VFW Post #5040 and local Boy Scout troops to honorably dispose of the flags on Veteran's Day. This is the seventh year of the collection, which has netted hundreds of worn flags for retirement.

Damaged and worn flags will be collected at Illinois State Bank branches in McHenry (1689 Curran Road) and Lake in the Hills (1301 Pyott Road). The flags will be properly retired in a Veteran's Day ceremony in November.

"Illinois State Bank has a strong tradition of involvement within the communities where we operate, and we are honored to sponsor this flag collection program," said Amber Frantz, market manager for Illinois State Bank. "Many people don't know how to properly dispose of tattered or torn flags, and working with the Exchange Clubs, the Veterans 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," Frantz said. "We encourage our customers and neighbors to bring their worn and torn flags to one of our branches for honorable disposal."

Illinois State Bank is a division of North Shore Bank, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year and is one of the strongest banks in the country. It has assets of $1.7 billion and 42 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. For more information, visit illinoisstatebank.com.