How To Correctly Retire An American Flag
on Nov 08, 2024
The American flag is a symbol that represents freedom, hope, and patriotism. While many Americans prouldy display “Old Glory” throughout the year, it holds special significance on patriotic holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
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Proper care and disposal of the American Flag
Rules on how to properly care for and display the flag were established the National Flag Conference in Washington in June 1923. During this meeting, members created the Flag Code, which states:
“The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.”
Additionally, the code gives instruction on what to do when a flag needs to be retired. It states:
“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
These ceremonies are held in a specific manner to ensure the proper disposal of the flag. According to the VFW, the first step is to fold the flag in its customary manner.
See a tutorial in the video below.
The fire must be built big enough to fully burn the flag before the flag is placed atop the flames. Finally, salute the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance or hold a moment of silence while the American Flag is ceremoniously retired.
What to do if you can not have a proper flag retirement ceremony
For some Americans, it’s not always possible to properly burn a flag. Thankfully, many state and government offices provide a place to drop off old flags for retirement.
These include Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, police stations, and various organizations such as the American Legion and the Girl and Boy Scouts.
Watch an American Flag retirement ceremony by the American Legion in the video below.
