Sunshine Ace Hardware collecting worn, faded American flags
The Floridant/10306479

NAPLES, Fla. - Floridant -- As Flag Day approaches, Sunshine Ace Hardware stores across Southwest Florida are continuing to collect and dispose of retired American flags through partnerships with local veterans organizations and youth groups.

"After years of enduring heat, sunshine and hurricanes, weather can take its toll on anything outdoors, including American flags," said Sunshine Ace Hardware President Michael Wynn. "Flag Day offers a good opportunity to remind Southwest Floridians that you can recycle your old flags and raise a new flag as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day in a few weeks."

Flag Day, which is observed annually on June 14, has been celebrated for more than 100 years, but did not become an official observance until President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1949.

Each Sunshine Ace Hardware store across Southwest Florida has a marked bin to place worn or faded American flags. The locations below collect flags during regular business hours:

Collier County:

• Downtown Naples – 141 Tamiami Trail North; Naples, FL 34102
• East Naples – 4433 Tamiami Trail East; Naples, FL 34112
• Marco Island – 1720 San Marco Road; Marco Island, FL 34145
• Golden Gate – 11673 Collier Blvd.; Naples, FL 34116
• Founders Square – 8850 Founders Square Drive; Naples, FL 34120
• Ave Maria – 5630 Ave Maria Blvd., Unit 110-112; Ave Maria, FL 34142

Lee County:

• Bonita Springs – 9100 Bonita Beach Road; Bonita Springs, FL 34135
• San Carlos – 18911 Tamiami Trail South; Fort Myers, FL 33908

Charlotte County:

• Port Charlotte – 3035 Tamiami Trail; Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• Port Charlotte, Kingsway – 912a Kings Highway; Port Charlotte, FL 33980
• Babcock Ranch – 42080 Cypress Parkway, Suite 11; Babcock Ranch, FL 33982

Pinellas County:

• Largo – 1015 W. Bay Drive; Largo, FL 33770

Manatee County (Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware):

• Bradenton – 5409 Manatee Ave. West; Bradenton, FL 34209
• Lakewood Ranch – 2401 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.; Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

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