Marshfield receives flag drop box

Members of the VFW POST 4101 and members of the community gathered around eagerly on Nov. 5 to witness the dedication of Marshfield's first flag drop box. Flags can now be safely stored in the box until they are officially retired. Prior to this, the closest drop boxes were in Seymour and Springfield. Mail photo by Alyssa Andrews

Posted Tuesday, November 8, 2022 6:22 am

By Alyssa Andrews alyssaa@marshfieldmail.com

The Webster County VFW Post 4101 purchased a flag retirement box, the first in the city of Marshfield, with the help of the Webster Electric Grant program. The VFW received $1,694 from Webster Electric, which helped cover the purchase and installment of the flag drop.

The official dedication was held during their monthly public breakfast on Nov. 5. Post Commander and 42-year VFW member Phil Rippee revealed what urged the Post to apply for the grant.

"The flags were dropped off here by the community and were placed in a plastic bag and hung on our door. Sometimes they (the flag and bag) would come off, or the wind would knock them off, blowing around in the parking lot. To keep that from happening and keep the flag safe until it's retired properly we wanted a flag box we could put it in."

Now for the first time and just in time for Veteran's Day, members of the public can drop off their retired flags in Marshfield.

"This box allows the community to bring their flags and place them right in the box."

Flags can be dropped off at The Webster County VFW Post 4101 at 248 E. Jackson St, Marshfield, MO. Commander Rippee also welcomes the public to attend their monthly breakfast on the first Saturday of the month from 7-10 a.m.

"The breakfast is not just for veterans. It is for feeding the community. If anyone wants to come and have breakfast, it is free. Donations are welcomed, but not a requirement."