How to Discard of a Used American Flag
The National Flag Conference participants adopted the first regulations regarding display and disposal of the American Flag on June 14, 1923. Each of the 66 organizations represented at the conference agreed to follow the accepted rules, based largely on procedures developed by the Army and Navy. After a few revisions, in 1942 the Second Session of the 77th Congress passed the regulations into Public Law 829. In addition to establishing protocol for handling and displaying the flag, it also suggests etiquette for disposal of a flag that is beyond repair.
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Instructions
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Arrange three logs in a triangle shape with one end of each stick overlapping the end of the next.
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Place tinder in the open space between the logs. Newspaper strips, straw and dryer lint make good tinder.
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Build the remaining logs into a tent shape over the triangle shape, with one end of each stick resting on the ground outside the triangle. The logs should lean in until the tops of the logs rest against each other.
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Strike match or lighter and place flame to tinder, making sure there is room for air to circulate. Once the top logs have caught fire, observe to see if you need more wood.
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Prepare flag by cutting into four pieces, ensuring to leave the blue field intact. Alternatively, cut the blue field out, then cut each stripe apart, resulting in 13 strips and one blue section.
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Place flag sections onto flames using grill tongs or other device, being careful to avoid flames.
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Extinguish fire with bucket of water once flames have consumed the flag.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact your local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and American Legion post and ask if they provide flag disposal services. Many local chapters of these organizations offer the service free of charge.
Prepare fire area by removing all debris, grass and branches. Always observe fire and extinguish completely.
Burning a flag can be misconstrued as disrespectful; reciting a patriotic passage while disposing of the flag will ensure the correct reverence is shown.
References
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