For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — A public flag retirement ceremony and food drive will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at 3 p.m. Friday, May 4.

Organized by students in a Psychology 395 capstone course, the event will be held on the front lawn of Old Main, 2100 Main St., Stevens Point. Joining students will be members of the UW-Stevens Point Veterans Club, ROTC cadets, Alliance of Non-Traditional Students and music majors as well as members of the VFW Post 10262, Stevens Point Police Department Color Guard, Mayor Mike Wiza and State Senator Patrick Testin. Attendees are welcome to gather for refreshments in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room after the ceremony.

Those attending may bring torn, faded or damaged flags for retirement, as well as a non-perishable food donation. Proceeds will be distributed to the UW-Stevens Point’s The Cupboard food pantry and the Salvation Army.

According to class member and retired U.S. Army combat veteran Paul Morrison of Wisconsin Rapids, few people have seen a flag retirement ceremony.

“It is fitting that when a flag’s service to our nation is over, it be given the highest honors,” he said. “This ceremony is personal to me, and to other veterans and citizens. I believe that everyone could benefit from seeing it.”

Donations for the food pantry also will be accepted at the Stevens Point YMCA, 1000 Division St.; Stevens Point Police Department, 933 Michigan Ave.; VFW Plover Post, 2970 Hickory Dr.; or the Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve St.

For more information, go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/741246576222334