RESIDENTS' WORN-OUT U.S. FLAGS COLLECTED.

Byline: Sharon Cotal Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - The many Stars and Stripes that have waved across Santa Clarita since Sept. 11's terrorist attacks are now frayed, and Steven Kilbert wants to make sure they will be disposed of with respect.

So the Canyon Country 14-year-old, in search of a worthy Eagle Scout project, decided to collect tattered American flags from people who have flown them proudly on their homes, businesses or cars.

``Everyone was displaying their car flags, but those flags are blowing in the wind so they can get worn out very quickly,'' Steven said. ``When flags are getting worn out, they are no longer a proper symbol of patriotism and they need to be retired properly.''

The teen embarked on a mission to collect the worn, weathered and shredded American flags from throughout the community and to officially retire the flags in a ceremony with dignity and respect. The project, which he has planned and organized himself, will earn him the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank of the Boy Scouts of America.

``I am very proud of the initiative of this young man. This is a great project that demonstrates Steven's American spirit,'' said Santa Clarita Mayor Frank Ferry. ``Steven's effort, with the help of his fellow Scouts, will contribute to keeping Santa Clarita clean and beautiful.''

Steven has placed collection boxes for worn flags at locations across the valley - at City Hall, the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station and various retail outlets. The boxes are painted white and decorated with red and blue stars, and residents may drop off their flags through April 27.

Also, Steven and some of his fellow Scouts from Troop 58 will be accepting flags from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 at Canyon Country Park, 17615 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. This will complete his collection effort.

All of the flags submitted will be retired later that day in a solemn campfire ceremony at William S. Hart Park in Newhall. Only three organizations are authorized to retire American flags - the Boy Scouts, the U.S. Military and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

``It's a very solemn occasion, and it's very touching. It gets you thinking about what it really means to be an American,'' said Steven, who has participated in other flag retirement ceremonies with his troop. ``Everyone is quiet, and all you can hear is the campfire.''

The teen has received help on his project from other Scouts in his troop and from businesses in the Santa Clarita community. U-Haul in Canyon Country donated 24 cardboard boxes, Orchard Supply Hardware in Valencia donated the paint for the collection boxes and Canyon Country Feed Bin donated the firewood for the campfire.

Steven is an honor student at Canyon High School and the son of Mike and Debbie Kilbert.

COLLECTION CENTERS

Steven Kilbert, along with some of his fellow Scouts, will be accepting worn and weathered flags from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 at Canyon Country Park, 17615 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Until then, flags may be placed in one of the red, white and blue collection boxes at the following locations:

--Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country.

--Fire Station No. 107, 18239 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country.

--Albertsons, 18571 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country.

--Vons, 16550 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country.

--Staples, 19242 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country.

--Mitchell Elementary School, 16821 Goodvale Drive, Canyon Country.

--Bob's Barber Shop, 18234 1/2 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country.

--Arco AM-PM, 26409 N. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country.

--City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Valencia.

--Ralphs, 25930 McBean Parkway, Valencia.

--Ralphs, 24860 Orchard Village Road, Valencia.

--Orchard Supply Hardware, 26565 Bouquet Canyon Road, Valencia.

--Kmart, 23222 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia.

--Pavilions, 27095 McBean Parkway, Valencia.

--Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, 23740 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia.

--Ralphs, 24975 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

(color) Steven Kilbert of Canyon Country shows one of the worn American flags he collected at City Hall. The 14-year-old has taken proper retirement of tattered U.S. flags as his Eagle Scout project.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer

Box:

COLLECTION CENTERS (see text)