Trash Collector "Rescues" American Flags

Jeff Olsen "rescues" American flags.

And for his efforts, the trash collector in the Chicago suburb of Elgin is being honored on Sunday -- Flag Day -- by the American Legion and the Elks.

When Olsen spots a flag someone has simply thrown out, he grabs it and brings it with him back to the garage, Vince Gerasole of CBS station WBBM-TV in Chicago reported on the CBS News broadcast The Early Show Saturday Edition.

He's "flagged" hundreds -- many in very poor condition. But Olsen knows their Old Glory is still precious.

He showed Gerasole the biggest flag he's ever saved -- it was as high as Olsen is tall. He also took out the box in which the flags he's rescued sit, all folded in the proper manner.

Olsen has a Stars and Stripes in the cab of his truck, some hang in the office of his company, Waste Management, and another flies outside the entrance, but the rest are handed over to the American Legion for proper disposal --- that is -- by burning in a dignified way.

Over the past 18 months alone, Olsen has found more than 250.

"Out of respect for the flag," he tells Gerasole, "It's the U/ S. of A. You've got to do it. ... The flag represents me; it's a good feeling to save a flag."

Her adds that he's not the only flag rescuer, saying, "There's a lot of other gatbage guys out there doing the same thing."

Olsen believes most people throw out old flags because they don't know exactly what to do with them.

The Pentagon says they should be disposed of with dignity, preferably by burning them.

But today's synthetic fibers create toxic fumes, which is why, Gerasole notes, the American Legion burns them in a crematorium.