How to Dispose of Old American Flags
The symbol of the United States for more than 230 years, the American flag is flown outside of all government buildings, as well as many business and private homes. The flag's near continual exposure to the weather makes it prone to a great deal of wear and tear. If a flag can be mended in a way that doesn't distort its dimensions, it can continue to be flown. If it becomes unfit for display, however, it must be disposed of in a proper and respectful way.
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Instructions
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To personally dispose of a worn American flag, you must be prepared to follow a strict set of guidelines during the ceremony. First, the flag should be folded into the traditional triangle shape. It should then be placed in a fire that is large enough to burn the entire flag to ashes. While the flag is burning, you might choose to stand at attention, salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance or simply have a moment of silence in order to show respect. After the flag has been completely destroyed, the fire should be extinguished and the ashes buried.
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Another method for disposing of a worn flag is to contact an organization that might have experience in such ceremonies. Common examples of these types of organizations include the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, certain government offices and the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. Not all local organization will be familiar with the proper guidelines for handling the flag, however, so you should call the organization before dropping off a flag.
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A final method for disposing of the American flag involves burying the flag in a box or bag. While burning is the preferred method, the most important aspect of flag retirement and disposal is showing proper respect for the flag and the ceremony itself.
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Another option which has gained popularity recently is the choice to recycle the American flag. A great number of current United States' flags are made from nylon, which actually releases hazardous gases when it's burned. For those interested in conserving and maintaining resources, recycling might prove to be an appealing option.
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References
- Photo Credit Ben Bloom/Stockbyte/Getty Images
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