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When the American flag becomes worn or faded, it's essential to remove it and dispose of it properly. The U.S. flag code specifies that when the flag 'reaches a condition where it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, [it] should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.' This can be done privately or in a public ceremony. However, because flags are typically made from nylon, which emits hazardous gases when burned, you might want to explore alternative methods of disposal. With careful consideration, you can retire and dispose of your American flags in a respectful manner.
Procedures
Lowering the Flag
Identify if the flag is worn, faded, or soiled. Due to daily exposure to the elements, your flag will likely show signs of wear over time. If you observe fraying along the edges, diminished colors, or stains, it's time to retire your flag and replace it with a new one.
- Many flags can be washed or repaired if they're worn. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for caring for your flag.
- You can purchase American flags from numerous online retailers or most major retail stores.
Explore disposal possibilities. Once you've acknowledged the need to retire your flag, begin researching the best methods for disposal. Burning the flag is a common practice, but many flags contain nylon, which emits harmful gases when burned. If you wish to avoid these emissions, consider cutting up, burying, or recycling your old flag. Choose a method that is safe and suits your preferences.
- If burning is your choice, ensure compliance with state and federal burn regulations. Consult your local fire department for guidance on proper and safe flag burning.
Lower the flag with care. When removing your flag, lower it slowly as a sign of respect and to prevent it from falling to the ground abruptly, which is considered disrespectful.
- If your flag isn't on a pole, simply remove it without the need for a slow descent.
Avoid letting the flag touch the ground. When taking down the flag, ensure it doesn't touch the ground, as this is seen as disrespectful to its symbolism. If possible, have assistance to lower and detach the flag without contact with the ground.
Properly fold the flag
. After lowering the flag, correctly fold it into the traditional triangle fold. It's advisable to have assistance to avoid letting it touch the ground. During a ceremony, consider having someone explain the significance of the folding.
Conducting a Basic Flag Retirement Ceremony
Ignite a substantial and vigorous fire. To commence the ceremony, ensure the fire is large enough to fully consume all flags. Use a natural gas burner or traditional wood fire. Consider erecting a stand to contain the fire and collect the ashes.
- Prior to initiating the flag disposal ceremony, ensure proper folding of each flag. Incorporate a flag folding ceremony for thoroughness.
- Adhere to local fire codes and regulations.
Position the flags onto the flames. Place individually folded flags onto the fire, ensuring they do not touch the ground or stack atop one another. If the fire is limited, burn only as many flags as can be laid without stacking.
- Due to chemicals present in modern flags that can cause explosive burning and emit toxic fumes, burning flags can be hazardous. Contact the local fire department to ensure compliance with safety codes.
- Consider using a grate within the flames to prevent flags from slipping off.
Stand at attention or salute. Depending on the ceremony style, attendees may be asked to stand at attention or salute during flag burning. For ceremonies with multiple flags, consider allowing periodic sitting breaks, especially for older participants.
- If leading the ceremony, you might prompt, “Will attendees please rise to honor the flag.”
Recite the Pledge of Allegiance. While the flag burns, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic gesture. However, be mindful that its reference to 'God' may discomfort individuals with differing religious beliefs. Aim for a ceremony that respects the diverse beliefs within the United States.
Observe a moment of silent contemplation. Opting for a period of silence shows respect for all participants during flag disposal. It allows individuals to reflect and honor the flag in their own way, fostering inclusivity within the ceremony.
- Before commencing the moment of silence, announce, “Please join me in a moment of silent reflection.”
Allow the flag to burn completely. Ensure the flag burns entirely in the flames until only ashes remain. For wood fires, maintain the flame by adding more wood if necessary. Adjust the gas flow for gas flames if the flags aren't burning properly.
- Flags treated with different chemicals burn at varying speeds. Some flags are flame-resistant to prevent burning in protest, requiring additional measures such as lighter fluid for thorough burning.
Extinguish the fire and inter the ashes. After completely destroying the flags, extinguish the fire and collect the ashes. Stop the fuel supply or let the fire naturally burn out. Collect the ashes and bury them appropriately.
- Ashes may also be scattered over significant areas like military parade grounds or battlefields.
Private Flag Disposal
Dispose of the flag discreetly. Lower and fold the flag properly, then find a private area for disposal. Burning in a controlled fire is the preferred method. Ensure the fire is sufficient to destroy the flag without posing a safety risk. After burning, bury the ashes.
- Check local burn bans before disposal.
- Flags treated with chemicals may burn explosively, posing hazards.
Fragment the flag. If burning isn't feasible, cutting the flag into pieces is an alternative. Cutting must avoid the blue star field, which symbolizes state unity. Once cut, dispose of the flag appropriately.
- Use scissors or a knife for cutting.
- Avoid tearing to prevent disrespect.
- Disruption of the blue star field symbolizes an attempt to disrupt unity.
- Consider the ceremonial and respectful aspects of this method.
Inter the flag. When a flag becomes worn, fold it neatly, place it in a box, and bury it respectfully. This method offers an alternative to burning, but ensure the flag is enclosed in a box to prevent soil contact, which is deemed disrespectful.
- Consideration must be given to the potential disrespectfulness or impropriety of this method.
- Modern flags, coated with various preservative chemicals, may pose environmental concerns as they decompose slowly compared to natural fiber flags like cotton.
Donate the flag to a reputable organization. Entities such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Girls Scouts, and Boy Scouts accept old flags for proper disposal. Typically, these flags are burned in disposal ceremonies held at various times during the year. If uncertain about the appropriate disposal method for your U.S. flag, this option provides a viable solution.
- The American Legion conducts a flag disposal ceremony annually on Flag Day.
Repurpose old flags through recycling. To mitigate environmental impact, consider sending old flags to companies specializing in flag recycling. These companies ensure environmentally conscious disposal and may even use flag materials to produce new flags.
- Some companies may request a donation for their services, although some offer free flag recycling.
