When an American flag is frayed or torn – in a state of disrepair – it has to be disposed of properly.

Flag retirement techniques, as well as the importance of Old Glory throughout history, will be at the forefront of ceremonies scheduled today in McHenry County as residents gather to celebrate Flag Day.

“There are a lot of things happening in the world where people don’t show the proper respect,” said Thomas McCormack, senior vice commander of McHenry VFW Post 4600. “Learning to respect the flag and what it means is really important because it is one of the reasons we are living in a free country.”