Here's How You Should Properly Dispose of an American Flag
Summer is full of patriotic celebrations. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile hosts a fantastic 4th of July celebration, and Ree's even been known to make a flag cake for Memorial Day. Some people set out red, white, and blue decorations or simply hang up a flag. But if you've realized that yours is no longer fit for display, it's time to wave goodbye to Old Glory.
Flags that are ripped, frayed or dirty are considered disrespectful to our country. But here's one key fact about your flag: getting rid of it in the right way is a duty as important as waving it with pride. Here's how to properly dispose of American flag in a respectful way.
Hand over the flag to an organization.
If you need to say farewell to your faded flag, you should never just throw it away. After all, it's a sacred symbol. Actually, according to the U.S. Flag Code, the preferred method of disposal is burning. Many organizations will hold flag burning ceremonies on Flag Day and are happy to include your flag in their observance. You can find disposal boxes outside of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts as well as some state and county government offices. Other groups, such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and local fire departments, may also collect flags.
Have your own burning ceremony.
You can also do the job at home! Just be sure to burn cotton flags only, since setting synthetic or nylon materials on fire can let off nasty gasses and vapors. It’s simple enough to do, and you could even make a little family ceremony of it. Here’s the how-to from the U.S. Department of Defense:
First, lower the flag and fold it into a traditional triangle shape. Light the fire pit and as the flag burns, say the Pledge of Allegiance. Once there are only ashes left, you should also have a moment of silence before burying them. (Be sure to check local fire and state codes before you get going!)
Bury the flag.
Burying a tattered flag is considered a perfectly respectable send off as well. Similar to the burning process, you'll start by properly folding the flag. Then place it in a solid box, before digging a hole in a suitable location. This could be a place that has special meaning to you or the person who owned the flag. As you bury the Stars and Stripes, have a moment of silence out of respect for those who have served our country.
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