The city of Knoxville and Knox County, along with local businesses and organizations, are sponsoring a flag retirement ceremony on Sunday, June 13.

"The ceremony is an opportunity for Knox County and Knoxville residents to replace flags no longer fit for display in a patriotic and dignified manner," said Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam.

Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale said, "The flags collected will be set ablaze in honor of the men and women proudly serving in our nation's law enforcement agencies, and in memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in the protection of our communities."

The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Flag Day program presented by the Knoxville Elks Lodge # 160, located at 6000 Lonas Road.

Local residents and businesses are encouraged to bring any flags that are no longer serviceable from noon until 3 p.m. and enter a drawing to win a new residential ground set flag pole and flag valued at $200.

Allen Sign Co. will be giving away free hand-held flags during the ceremony, which begins at 3 p.m. Other sponsors are Keep Knoxville Beautiful; Company D, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; and WBIR-TV, Channel 10.

Flags may be dropped off anytime at Knox County Solid Waste and Recycling Convenience Centers; Allen Signs' two locations; or at the Goodwill-attended City of Knoxville Recycling Centers. Flags may also be taken to the offices of Knox County's Department of Engineering and Public Works, 205 W. Baxter Ave., or to the office of Keep Knoxville Beautiful, 402 11th Street.