Get a New Flag
June 8, 2007
Nothing bugs me more than a ratty American flag flying in tatters. So, if you or someone you know has one that looks bad…here is the proper way to dispose of the old one. This is from the VFW website. My mom’s hometown has a drop box at the VFW for flag disposal.
Flag Disposal
Suggested Procedures for Disposing of a Faded, Worn Flag
1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
3. Place the flag on the fire.
4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
The Boy Scouts is another avenue to take. Any more suggestions welcome.
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June 8th, 2007 at 8:05 am
That’s one of my pet peeves too. I also hate it when people leave the flag out overnight but don’t put a light on. Either they are too lazy to take it down or they don’t understand that if it’s displayed at night it needs to be lighted.
June 8th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Then neither one of you will be happy with me. I have an old battered and torn flag hanging in my room. I think it adds character.
http://tinyurl.com/2x3trl
And the flag I have hanging outside I leave out all night without a light. But that’s because I don’t have a place to put one. My hedge is in the way.
But I do have a question. I have two flags in my closet that need to be disposed of, but I don’t have a place to burn them. Is there a place I can take them that’ll do it?
June 8th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Q: How are unserviceable flags destroyed?
A:The Flag Code suggests that, “when a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning.” For individual citizens, this should be done discreetly so the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration. Many American Legion Posts conduct Disposal of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day. This ceremony creates a particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the retirement of unserviceable flags.
June 8th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Thank you so much for comment on this! Last Friday, I led my Cub Scout Pack in retiring the aged American Flag at our local Christian grade school (which is the chartering organization that sponsors our pack). In 35 years of scouting, this was my first opportunity to conduct this incredibly moving tribute to our history, heroes, and symbols. All of us — including my 7- to 10-year-old boys, of whom I am extremely proud — were honored to participate, and we would welcome the opportunity to help anyone else in this regard. If you have a flag that needs to be retired and do not have a local contact, please do not hesitate to let me know by emailing to Justin_Payne AT comcast DOT net.
June 8th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Thanks Justin – we appreciate that!
June 8th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Great tips! I’d never thought of this… Mine is a little faded by the sun.
Thanks,
Nancy
June 9th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Get a New Flag
The linked page states:
Nothing bugs me more than a ratty American flag flying in tatters. So, if you or someone you know has one that looks bad…here is the proper way to dispose of the old one.
Read more by clicking through to the linked source page.
June 14th, 2007 at 7:41 am
[...] If your flag is tattered – here is a list of proper procedures and suggestions to dispose of the old ones! [...]