A Patriotic Purpose: The Flag Box on Beach 129th

By Jim Mullen and Sean McVeigh

Tucked behind the Graybeards’ office on Beach 129th Street sits a humble mailbox, adorned with the red, white, and blue of the American flag. It’s easy to miss, but over the past eight years, this unassuming box has played an important role in honoring our nation’s symbol. Since its installation, more than 4,100 worn American flags have been deposited there — each one given the dignity of a proper retirement.

The idea took root in 2017 when Tara Stackpole and Pete Brady, while visiting Florida, happened upon something similar at an American Legion Post. There, they noticed a patriotic collection box filled with flags awaiting ceremonial retirement by the military. Moved by the idea, they knew it was something they wanted to bring home to Rockaway.

Tara reached out to Jean Condon to find out how to get a mailbox for the initiative, and with the help of Community Board 14 District Manager Jonathan Gaska, was able to secure a spare mailbox from the post office. Jim Mullen, inspired by a similar effort started by Ed Shevlin of the DSNY who made sure flags found disposed of in regular trash were separated and properly retired, picked up the donated mailbox and brought it to Rockaway. From there, local artist Tracey McCormick gave the mailbox its current patriotic makeover.

The newly transformed “Flag Box” was placed behind the Graybeards’ office at 129-04 Newport Avenue, just behind the steps on the Beach 129th Street side of the corner building — where it remains today.

Since then, thousands of flags have been respectfully deposited in the Flag Box. Periodically, they are brought to Calverton National Cemetery by Kevin McCann of the VFW Post or Cornelius Murray of the Graybeards, where they are ceremoniously retired.

The Graybeards’ commitment to flag etiquette doesn’t stop there. Since shortly after Hurricane Sandy, the organization has placed more than 200 American flags along Rockaway’s main roads each year between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. A team of dedicated volunteers inspects the flags weekly — or more frequently during bad weather — to ensure they’re flying freely. Damaged flags or poles are replaced as needed.

If you happen to see a flag in need of attention, please call the Graybeards’ office at (718) 938-1665 with the location. And if you ever have difficulty reaching or untangling a flag yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out — they’re happy to help.

In addition to the Flag Box, Mazzone Ace Hardware has also begun collecting flags, and the Graybeards would also like to extend their gratitude for the ongoing support since the project’s inception.

This Flag Day, consider picking up a fresh new flag to display proudly this summer — and when the time comes to retire the old one, take it to the Flag Box on Beach 129th Street. It’s a small gesture that ensures the Stars and Stripes are honored the way that they should be.