Oh Man: Rahmi Eikhatib
August 06, 2016
By : Inspired Woman Magazine

Eagle Scout’s Star-Spangled Service Project

Rahmi Eikhatib

Rahmi Eikhatib

By Jody Kerzman

When Rahmi Eikhatib was six years old, his mom signed him up for Cub Scouts. He’s been scouting ever since. Now, at age 17, he’s got one last milestone to finish off his scouting career. That milestone is earning his Eagle Scout rank. There are several requirements that must be met to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, including completing a service project. Rahmi found a service project that has quickly become more than just a project.

“My old scout master gave me the idea to replace and retire damaged American flags,” explains Rahmi. “People don’t know that flying damaged flags is actually disrespectful. So as I replace flags for people, I try and educated them about proper flag etiquette too. I think most people do have good intentions, but they just don’t know what’s right because no one has ever told them. Maybe I can be that person that teaches them the proper etiquette for flying, storing, and disposing of the flag.”

Rahmi and his team have replaced 15 flags and have another five lined up. That will be enough to meet his goal of 20, but Rahmi says there could be more.

“I have heard that there are a few more that would like their flags replaced. I’m doing this free of charge, all the flags I’m giving out have been donated,” he says. “The problem is my demand has exceeded my supply. That’s a good problem I guess, because it means my efforts are working.”

Rahmi ‘s next step is to organize a ceremony to dispose of the old flags. He has studied up on flag etiquette, and learned the proper way to dispose of the flags he’s collected.

“You’re supposed to burn the flags ceremonially.”

The flags will be folded in the customary manner, then placed on the fire. Etiquette suggests those disposing of the flag come to attention, salute the flag, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Once the flags are completely consumed, the fire should be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.

Rahmi will follow the etiquette to the letter, because he says it’s the right thing to do. Much like replacing damaged flags is the right thing to do.

“It’s a small thing that can go a long way,” he explains. “I’m not a veteran, but I think if a veteran sees a damaged flag, they might take offense to that, to see something they fought so hard to defend. It’s a little thing, replacing flags, but it’s like holding the door open for someone, it’s a small thing that can go a long way for someone.”

Rahmi’s Eagle Scout ceremony is tentatively scheduled for mid-August. But while his project is coming to a close, Rahmi hopes the work he started will continue.

“I hope that my project has educated people about flag etiquette, and they’ll remember this project and when they see flags that need repair, they’ll do something about it.”

As for Rahmi, once he earns his Eagle Scout rank, he’ll turn his focus to his senior year of high school, and life after high school. He is considering a career in the Navy.  

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