As part of the university’s Veterans Day observance, Mississippi State on Nov. 11, dedicated a new U.S. flag retirement box at its G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans at Nusz Hall.
The indoor oak box is the result of Robert “Reed” Edwards’ Eagle Scout project. Edwards is a member of Troop 14, a ninth grader at Starkville High School, and the son of Scott and Lydia Edwards. Lydia is a staff member at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary, and Scott is an MSU Extension instructor in the Center for Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts who also serves in the Mississippi Army National Guard.
Reed Edwards said he was inspired to implement a flag retirement box on campus to build on the sense of patriotism at the university and further serve the community.
“Flag retirements are important because our national flag should be treated with respect, even when they are old and worn out,” Edwards said. “It’s important to the community to have a place to drop off flags that need to be retired. It’s important to Troop 14 because the community trusts us to retire their flags. We have a special ceremony, and it makes us feel good to serve our community like this,” he said.
He explained that local Boy Scouts maintain a flag retirement box in Starkville, but the additional MSU location will serve the needs of those who fly U.S. flags on campus. He thanked family friend Louis Jenkins, as well as his father, for assisting with the project.
MSU Executive Director for Veterans and Military Affairs Andrew Rendon said, “The Center for America’s Veterans staff and I are delighted to support Reed Edwards in his work toward his Eagle Scout badge. When Reed came to me with this project, we were immediately interested in partnering as it illustrated the extremely important civic responsibility of our young men and women honoring and respecting our U.S. flag. To do it on Veterans Day at one of the most military friendly universities, made it even that more special. We are very proud of Reed and honored to be a part of this important event.”
Flags may be deposited at the retirement box Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
In addition to the Boy Scouts, Edwards plays trombone in the SHS band and First Baptist Church orchestra. He also is a member of the swim team and JROTC program. He has two younger brothers, Jake and Levi, who also are Boy Scouts.