[Peter Ansoff]

For what it's worth, Army regulations state that "shredding" is a proper way to dispose of a worn flag.

Peter Ansoff

[dianaon]

I am a Boy Scoutmaster x only a few years. But to my best knowledge, through this org. , and in speaking with retired servicemen is the proper way to burn the tattered flag is:
1. Cut and hold all red stripes (symbolizing blood shed for USA)
2. Cut all white stripes, abd hold seperately (symbol fo purity)
3. Keep the whole sqare of stars in one piece (unity of the nation)
A ceremonial fire should be built (yes, outside for plastics, noncotton flags), and as the pieces are put in one speaks of their symbols.
4. Nothing is then added to the fire- no wood, (no cooking marshmellows over it), so make sure it is good enough to totally burn all your flags.
5. The next day, the ashes are removed and buried.
6. The metal rivets may be buried also, or given as a token to a retired American serviceman

The service should be held by US veterans, or related groups- Coast Guard, West Point students, Boy, Girl scouts.

Am I wrong? I'm reading otherwise.

[Peter Ansoff]

Hi, Dianaon, welcome to the forum!

First of all, here's what the civilian flag code says about flag disposal: "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." The regulations followed by the armed forces are similar. For example, the applicable US Army regulation says: "When a flag is no longer suitable for display, it will not be cast aside or used in any way that may be viewed as disrespectful. If not preserved as [a relic], it will be destroyed privately, preferably by burning, shredding or by some other method that does not show irreverence or disrespect to the flag."

None of the current regulations rules or regulations say anything about cutting the flag apart. In fact, the original version of the flag code that was adopted back in 1923 said specificially: "[the flag] should be destroyed as a whole, privately, preferably by burning or by some other method in harmony with the reverence and respect that we owe to the emblem representing our country."

Again, none of these authorities say anything about cutting the flag apart before destroying it. Individual organizations can, of course, make up their own rules, but they are not based on anything official.

Personally, I don't think that the idea of cutting the flag apart is very respectful -- it seems more like some kind of pagan ritual than anything patriotic. That's just my opinion, however.

Best regards,

Peter Ansoff