[Roger]

Originally Posted by Peter Ansoff

I tend to agree with Nick. The sense of the flag code is clearly that a worn-out flag should be destroyed, not cut up and re-used for something else. I think that this was the intent behind the prohibition on using flags as clothing, for example. The original 1923 language of the flag code said that the flag should be destroyed "as a whole," and military regs still say that. Roger's argument that the flag ceases to be a flag when you cut it up strikes me as overly legalistic.

Not infecting the environment. A true interpretation of an honorable disposal. It seems to me reuse fits the bill. . . . it will begin a new life as a couple of very usefull and dignified bags for a couple of helmets, which I get a lot of enjoyment out of.

The fact that it's useful, environmentally friendly, etc., is beside the point. The flag is a symbol of the nation and should be treated with dignity. Cutting it up and using the pieces as a storage bag would not, I think, strike most people as being very dignified. As Justice Holmes said in the quote down there at the bottom, perception is the real issue.

Having said all that, there is an interesting philosophical issue here. Supposing that I were to manufacture made-for-the purpose helmet bags that were decorated with a stars and stripes motif. One could argue that these were never flags in the first place, and that they're in the same category as Uncle Sam's suit, for example. Again, it comes down to perception -- would the average observer see my bags as mutilated flags, or not?

Peter Ansoff

Trust me, hearing what others had to say is why I am hear and registered. The Northern part of redneck Minnesota is where I live. Here we have a very unique attitude towards this country, we will fight for it to the death!!! Our little (actualy big) part of it is more important to preserve than any other part, to us. One of the last strong holds for gun laws and the right to bear arms. Seems like once you get above Iowa, South Dakota, Oregon the rules change. Hell some folks still have gun racks in their beat up trucks! But our outdoors is important to us. I do what I can and I don't burn garbage. While I'm not a fanatical recycler I do see this great nylon fabric 5'x8' as something to reuse instead of purchasing more fabric that will never degrade in my life, or my kids life, or their kids life. I guess I could down size....LOL

IMG_1034a.jpg

[Roger]

How about I make a couple real cool and dignified helmet bags and have a burning ceremony and burial for the rest?

[RODEONan]

Originally Posted by 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.

Howdy I'm new here, but thought I'd see what the internet has regarding disposal of worn Flags and I found this MB.

I was raised that in disposing of the Flag that the blue field with the stars was to be cut away from the red and white stripes of the Flag(s). Then the red and white stripes are to be burned in a container and the blue field and stars should be burned in a separate container with the ashes from both to be buried separately. That's what I had learned in grade school way back when.

I bought a couple of boxes of books from my boys old country school and there was a book about the United States Flag and it's etiquette. Of course I can't find it right now, but it's an older book. Anyway, I agree that the Flag should be disposed of in a dignified way when it becomes to tattered to be flown. While some people/groups may have the basic belief of burning the Flag and burying the ashes it's just some have differing ways of preparing the Flag for the disposal.

As long as the burning/burying is handled in a respectful way I see no reason to get after anyone for either burning the Flag whole, separating the blue field from the rest of the Flag or even separating the red and white stripes as long as they are burned and buried in a dignified and respectful manner then it's all good.

As for 're-purposing' the material into other things..... in my opinion, no. Yes, that thought follows the recycling bit we're all being fed, but this is the Flag of our country. If one wants to make something that has the colors of the Flag or Flags on it, then buy that material and go from there. Do not use the Flag for anything other than what it was made for, please. That's just the way I was raised.

Semper Fi & peace