Tyler Batista, Relationship Officer at the SAFE North Natomas branch, poses next to the in-branch bin for retired flags. Photo courtesy of SAFE Credit Union

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - To celebrate Flag Day, SAFE Credit Union will provide flag retirement bins at all its branches in the Sacramento area and its headquarters in Folsom now through Saturday, June 29 for people to bring weathered and damaged flags. At the end of the month, the bins will be collected and the flags properly retired.

"Our branches are honored to be able to provide this service," says Janine Southwick, SAFE Credit Union's vice president Retail Branches. "It's another way we can connect with our members and a unique way to show we honor the national symbol."

SAFE's heritage stretches back to 1940 when it started as a credit union serving Army Air Corps personnel at what would later become McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento. Today, SAFE has many employees and members who are active National Guard and reservists, veterans, and families and loved ones of active and retired military.

The flag retirement initiative is being led by a new employee resource group at SAFE focused on employees with military connections called Veterans and Loved Ones Resource (VALOR).

"Flag Day is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the American flag and what it represents: unity, freedom, and the enduring spirit of our nation," says Loan Servicing Manager Yvette Tibbs, who leads VALOR. "The flag is a powerful symbol of our shared values and the sacrifices made to uphold them."

People are encouraged to bring flags ready for retirement to SAFE branches this month or they can find other flag retirement services with Scouting and veterans' groups. For more information regarding proper American flag etiquette, visit the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) website.

Participating Branches:

Antelope Branch, 7887 Walerga Road

Citrus Heights Branch, 7475 Madison Ave.

East Elk Grove Branch, 9312 Elk Grove Blvd.

East Sacramento Branch, 6341 Folsom Blvd.

El Camino Branch, 3560 El Camino Ave.

Folsom Branch, 2740 Bidwell St.

Granite Bay Branch, 8789 Auburn Folsom Road

Hazel Branch, 5261 Hazel Ave.

K Street Branch, 2901 K St. in Sacramento

Laguna Branch, 9162 Bruceville Road in Elk Grove

Land Park Branch, 4700 Freeport Blvd.

Lincoln Branch, 111 Ferrari Ranch Road

North Natomas Branch, 2761 Del Paso Road

Rancho Cordova Branch, 12519 Folsom Blvd.

Rocklin Branch, 6190 Stanford Ranch Road

Roseville Branch, 121 N. Sunrise Ave.

Sunrise Branch, 7601 Sunrise Blvd.

Watt Branch, 4636 Watt Ave. in North Highlands

West Roseville Branch, 1541 Blue Oaks Blvd. 

West Sacramento Branch, 2105 Town Center Plaza

For more information about the flag retirement bins, contact Senior Communications and Design Specialist Susan Burns at [email protected] or (916) 212-0485.