Burning Worn US Flags

[EmailPoster]

I can not find the ceremony that is conducted when burning worn flags....

I can not find the ceremony that is conducted when burning worn flags.
We want to use this to show the Boy Scouts to proper way to dispose of
the US Flag.

Thank you for your help,

Bud

[jproffitt10]

Bud,

There is no single, standard ceremony used in burning the U.S. Flag. The U.S Flag Code only states "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."

Different organizations use different protocol. For an example of one organizations ceremony, which seems lengthy and complicated when first read, go to Veterans Largest Service Organization - The American Legion. Many people use their own, private ceremony. Patriotism has many faces and if retired in respect and honor, no one method is right or wrong.

[sarahw]

A private ceremony is usually prefered for retiring a flag, and burning is the typical method. Some people cut up flags before they are burned, but that isn't necessary. A flag can either be burned on a camp fire or in a barrel. The most important thing is that it be done with respect.

Sarah

[american21]

Burning of the United states flag is poposterous. DO not burn the flag of the United States of America. Why would you ever do such a thing no matter how old it is? The flag is to precious to burn.

B jamin

[Just George]

Hey again.

You may want to go a little slow here. Perhaps do some research before you hit the send button. You don't want to go off half cocked. Burning the American flag is the best correct method for retiring our flag. The worst thing I can think of is to have our flag sitting around collecting mildew and rotting until you can no longer tell how proud it once was. Give us older folks some due, we've been there. And again, thanks for putting your two cents worth in. Your opinions are very important, to all of us.

Geo

[sarahw]

It is actually written into the code of the United States that retiring a flag by burning is the most respectful thing you can do when the flag is too tattered and worn to fly anymore. It is certainly better to properly retire a flag that cannot be used anymore than to have it lying around no longer a proud symbol of our nation. It is precious, but even precious things can get worn out and need to be properly retired.

Sarah

[ph5848]

When you have a US Flag that is no longer respectfully useful, you could very easily send this flag to either the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars who each have an annual Flag Disposal Ceremony which is held with deep respect for what our Great American Flag stands for. By disposing of your flag in this manner, you are presenting this proud emblem with the deepest respect and honor and assuring your pride in our great country and the men and women who served to protect what our flag stands for.

[Rubio4u]

Especially in the aftermath of hurricanes, and tropical storms the American flag certainly has taken a beating. Today, while paying respects to my family in the cemetary I saw a few flags which were ripped or laying on the ground. There were some which were torn. According to the flag code, I took these home and disposed of them respectfully by burning them completely so that the entire flag was burned. As the flag was burned I reflected on this symbol and paid quiet respect to it.

[plbotelho]

Great all around answers> Thank you all

[Richard Padgett]

I have a number of flags to be disposed of and am looking for a method of propely burning them or is it acceptable to bury them, if so how should they be prepared before burial............Rich P.