How to Dispose of a United States Flag Properly
There is no one way to destroy an unusable U.S. flag, but there are a few guidelines. The United States Code, Title 4 Chapter 1 tells how and how not to handle the flag. It says, "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." An Internet search will turn up a number of ceremonies appropriate for retiring a flag. Your local Veterans of Foreign Wars or the Boy Scouts of America may also be able to help.
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Instructions
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Hoist the flag in the morning and let it fly one more day. At the end of the day, take the flag down and fold it in the usual tri-corner fold. Alternately, hoist it for its final time momentarily before its retirement ceremony.
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Select a place where a sizable fire may be built in which to burn the flag. Build the fire. Light it in enough time to build up a durable flame before it is time to burn the flag. Use this fire only for the purpose of destroying the flag.
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Assemble the people who will witness the destruction of the flag. The tone for the ceremony should be circumspect but not grave. Have someone hold the still-folded flag. One person may comment on the symbolic representation of the flag. The assembly may wish to sing the National Anthem or recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
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Two people will take the flag from the first person and open the folds, spreading the flag out horizontally between them. The assembly steps closer to the fire. They may wish to salute the flag or place hands over hearts. The flag bearers place the flag on the fire. While it burns there is silence.
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Two people attend the fire to make certain shreds of the flag do not float away and that it burns completely. The National Flag Foundation recommends singing God Bless America after the flag is burned. Two people should remain with the fire until it dies out and make certain no remnants of the flag remain. They should bury the ashes.
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Tips & Warnings
You may wish to cut the flag into pieces before burning. In this case cut the stars out first, then cut the stripes vertically before adding each piece to the flame.
You may now recycle the materials used to make the flag by contacting a company that specializes in this kind of recycling.
References
- Photo Credit american flag image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
