OPERATION FALLEN FLAGS
Helping Replace Worn-Out Flags
We Haven’t Replaced Every Worn, Torn, and Tattered Flag Yet, But We’re Working on It
A few years ago, a Vietnam veteran named Nick Parnello had a dream. “I had seen worn-out flags still flying and asked why. Then, I had a dream that those flags should be replaced, and asked why not?” That’s how The Glory Truck and Operation Fallen Flags went from a dream to reality.
The U.S. Department of Defense
Clean and damage-free flags should always be used. Dirty, ripped, wrinkled, or frayed flags should not be used. Also, when flags are damaged, they should be destroyed in a dignified manner.
Replacing flags and more
The Smoke Brothers of Operation Fallen Flags are all volunteers, and the younger ones have jobs and careers, but they always make time to teach kids about the flag and time to help with flags that need replacement and to install new flags.
Replacing the flag at the Army Reserve Training Center in Machesney Park
The Smoke Brothers visit Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy
The nice people at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall have been amazingly helpful to us
Friends and Donors
Kendall B Design
Graphic Design
Teeccino
Coffees and Teas
Lou Bachrodt
Auto Mall
Trickie Enterprises
Ike Trickie
DONATIONS ARE NOT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE
The Fallen Flags Crew and The Smoke Brothers Are All Volunteers, But There Are Always Expenses
The Operation Fallen Flags volunteers consider their hard work a labor of love. But even volunteer organizations need donations to keep things going. For Operation Fallen Flags, there are flags to buy, lots of gasoline to feed The Glory Truck as it makes its rounds, there are maintenance costs, and a lot more. We are extremely grateful that so many businesses, organizations, and individuals have made amazing in-kind and cash donations that make it possible to continue our work. But we still need help in the form of donations large and small from people like you. Please donate generously so we can keep the flags flying. Thank you.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CAUSE WITH A DONATION
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS
Thank You
We are filled with gratitude for our sponsors
The Smoke Brothers don’t get paid for what they do. They do it because they are patriotic, and because they want to help other patriots display their flags in the right way. It’s also because they have fun doing it.
Thanks to Automotive Solutions of Belvidere for The Glory Truck’s facelift
Trickie Enterprises does a lot for Operation Fallen Flags and The Glory Truck
Teeccino Herbal Coffees and Teas donations help us do what we do
The Miss Glory Story
Written by Nick Parnello and Angie Withrow
Illustrations by Nathan Koch
Printing by Lynn Perry, Rockford Litho
This little book tells the story of Sherry, an old truck with a broken engine, who was retired after working hard for many years. Sitting in an old red barn, she thought she was going to spend the rest of her days just sitting there feeling lonely – but with the dedication of an amazing group of people – she was rescued and renewed and now has a new life helping U.S. military veterans as they honor the American flag and teach kids about Old Glory. In this new life, she is known as The Glory Truck of Operation Fallen Flags.
Call 815.968.1040 for information.
More Friends and Donors
Rockford Litho
Lynn Perry
Automotive Solutions
Tom Abrahamson
Friends and Donors
The Full List
GeoStar
Website Design
When tattered and torn flags are replaced by The Smoke Brothers and The Glory Truck, they are carefully stored until Flag Day of every year. On that day (June 14th), The Smoke Brothers take the flags to the LZ Peace Memorial where they are respectfully burned in a dignified ceremony by The Smoke Brothers and other participants.
Retiring the flag
When an American flag comes to the end of its life it must be properly retired
A flag-retirement ceremony is a dignified way to dispose of unserviceable American flags. It typically involves a fire, a respectful ceremony, and the burial of the ashes. The ceremony is meant to honor the flag and its symbolism, recognizing its service and eventual retirement. The Smoke Brothers and the crew of The Glory Truck take flag retirement seriously.
When a U.S. flag becomes tattered, torn, weather-beaten, or otherwise unfit for duty, it should be properly retired – not just thrown in the trash.
Video and photos courtesy of Captain Ken (Ken Nelson)
Don’t Miss It
Don’t miss any of our events and ceremonies. Watch the Upcoming Events section of this website or call us for information regarding events, ceremonies, or for any other information including donations.
Operation Fallen Flags 815.968.1040