James Nevil is collecting worn and soiled American flags so that they may be honorably retired.
    The Bulloch Academy 11th-grader’s venture is part of his Eagle Scout project in the Boy Scouts of America.
    Involved in scouting since 2009, Nevil is the son of Jamie and Jill Nevil and a member of Boy Scout Troop 342, which meets at Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
    James Nevil received the Triple Crown Award this past summer, a prestigious award given to the few who have completed the three scouting high adventure camps: Philmont, hiking the Rockies; Northern Tier, canoeing the Great Lakes; and Sea Base, sailing across the Florida Keys.
    Nevil said he chose to collect and retire worn, tattered, torn, faded and soiled American flags to honor Old Glory and to educate Scouts and the community on the proper care and retirement of worn flags.
    “I wanted to show how much we care about our veterans and our community,” he said. “How much we respect our country and how we play a role in our community.”
    During his time in scouting, Nevil has learned important work ethics that will benefit his future.
    “Scouting helped me become a stronger, independent individual and prepare me for a future of leadership and responsibility,” he said.
    His project collection officially begins on Sunday to coincide with the Boy Scouts of America’s birthday, celebrating the incorporation of the national organization on Feb. 8, 1910. Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church will celebrate Boy Scout Sunday with a lunch following the morning church service.
    Torn or soiled American flags may be placed in USA Flag Retirement Boxes located at these locations from Sunday through Feb. 25: Medical Center Pharmacy (both locations), Bennett Law Firm, Statesboro City Hall, Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro, Food World (both locations), Hodges Antiques, Woodmen of the World, The Bike Shop, Anderson General Store, Brooklet City Hall, Cotton Patch Bakery in Portal, Greenleaf Nursery and Gifts in Register, Sea Island Bank (downtown) and the Statesboro VA Office.
    Once collected, the flags will be honorably retired in a Scout Flag Retirement Ceremony led by Nevil. The ceremony is planned for March 2, weather permitting, at 6:30 p.m. at the Boy Scout Hut across from Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church. Open to the public, the ceremony will honor and preserve the dignity of the national flag.