Burning the Flag
#1
Burning the Flag
My uncle, who had recently visited, took notice of my American Flag hanging from my front porch. I'll admit it's a little bit tattered, though his comment took me by suprise. "Fix it, or burn it...figure it out!"
So I did! I had no idea there was a flag code. I apologize to anyone I may have offended. I have replaced my flag.
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#USFC
So I did! I had no idea there was a flag code. I apologize to anyone I may have offended. I have replaced my flag.
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#USFC
#3
The proper disposal of the American flag is very important!
According to the Flag Code, any American flag that is worn, damaged or tattered beyond repair should be retired in a respectful and dignified manner. The preferred method is burning. This may shock some, since it is a well known fact that burning the flag is illegal. This, however, is an exception to the rule. You can burn the flag yourself, making sure it is done in a discreet and professional manner, or many organizations like the American Legion, the Boy Scouts Council and the Girl Scouts Council will perform a flag retirement ceremony and burn your flag for you. In this case, burning signifies purification and rebirth.
Although burning is the preferred method, it is also acceptable to seal your old flag in a box or bag and bury it. The most important factor is showing respect to the flag during its disposal.
*Note: Nylon flags create hazardous gases when they are burned. Many states have outlawed the burning of nylon for that reason. A good alternative to dispose of nylon flags (or any flag) is recycling. To recycle a flag, simply write "Recycle" on the header of the flag before handing it over to your local Post or scout troop. The nylon will be reused in making new American flags. If nylon flags are not recycled, it is customary to cut the union from the field and dispose of the flag with the proper ceremony.
To properly dispose of your worn or tattered flag by burning, please contact the local branch of the following organizations.
The American Legion
Locate a Post near you
Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags
Boy Scouts
Locate a Council near you
Girl Scouts
Locate a Council near you
*If you are unable to find an organization in your area, you can send your flags to the Flag Disposal Service Program at FlagKeepers.org. The volunteers there will properly dispose of your worn flags at a patriotic flag retirement ceremony.OR Report a Tattered or Dirty Flag.
According to the Flag Code, any American flag that is worn, damaged or tattered beyond repair should be retired in a respectful and dignified manner. The preferred method is burning. This may shock some, since it is a well known fact that burning the flag is illegal. This, however, is an exception to the rule. You can burn the flag yourself, making sure it is done in a discreet and professional manner, or many organizations like the American Legion, the Boy Scouts Council and the Girl Scouts Council will perform a flag retirement ceremony and burn your flag for you. In this case, burning signifies purification and rebirth.
Although burning is the preferred method, it is also acceptable to seal your old flag in a box or bag and bury it. The most important factor is showing respect to the flag during its disposal.
*Note: Nylon flags create hazardous gases when they are burned. Many states have outlawed the burning of nylon for that reason. A good alternative to dispose of nylon flags (or any flag) is recycling. To recycle a flag, simply write "Recycle" on the header of the flag before handing it over to your local Post or scout troop. The nylon will be reused in making new American flags. If nylon flags are not recycled, it is customary to cut the union from the field and dispose of the flag with the proper ceremony.
To properly dispose of your worn or tattered flag by burning, please contact the local branch of the following organizations.
The American Legion
Locate a Post near you
Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags
Boy Scouts
Locate a Council near you
Girl Scouts
Locate a Council near you
*If you are unable to find an organization in your area, you can send your flags to the Flag Disposal Service Program at FlagKeepers.org. The volunteers there will properly dispose of your worn flags at a patriotic flag retirement ceremony.OR Report a Tattered or Dirty Flag.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Springfield, Ohio
Posts: 30,914
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This really belongs in off topic, but it is a pretty important subject (to me, at least). So I'll leave it here.
A lot of people also don't realize if you fly a flag at night, it should be lit as well.
A lot of people also don't realize if you fly a flag at night, it should be lit as well.
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#9
My Uncle being a Korean War Vet. takes this very personal, as I found out first hand. My flag, along with others, was burned by ceramony at a local VFW. They were proud to perform the service.
#10
Gotta admit...when I saw the topic "Burning the Flag", my dander got fluffed quick. When I read the post - I settled back down. Thanks for taking care of Old Glory! I wish more people would do the same...