Where can i take a flag for proper disposal?

[EmailPoster]

Where does one take an american flag to be disposed of properly....

Where does one take an American flag to be disposed of properly.
Specifically, I have flown a flag on my home....but now it is worn and
has been replaced.

Nancy W. Tant

[vfa131wildcats]

Great question Nancy,

While it is true that some American Legion Posts and local governments are known to accept American flags for disposal, most are do not have the facilities or the knowledge to do so.

The only definitive answer is found in the US Flag Code. TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 1 > Sec. 8(k). It 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"

You can find a good copy of the entire US Flag Code at the Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
USA Flag Site provides the high points of American Flag etiquette in a more user friendly format on our Flag Etiquette page.

[Lin731]

Where does one take an american flag to be disposed of properly....

Hello Nancy!

As has been mentioned, you can contact your local Veterans groups as well as your local boy scouts and girl scouts to see if they deal with flag disposal. Some do, some don't. Another option is to send your flag to:

Flag Keepers
1108 Lee Ave.
Kannapolis, NC 28081


Flag Keepers Inc is an all volunteer, non profit organization that has a project listing with the National Heritage Foundation. Disposal is free for private citizen, schools and libraries. Business and government agencies pay $5.00 for disposal. For more information, here's a link to their site. www.flagkeepers.org

[cherbear]

This is a great question! Of course our flag is much to important to just simply toss out with next weeks garbage. And if your flag is worn and not a condition befitting display, there is a code for display of the flag. You might consider burning it or contacting your local chapter of Veteren's Affairs for suggestions on how to dispose of it or your local branch of the Elks or Knights of Columbus. However, you might want to keep in mind, that most branches will appreciate a small cash donation for their help.

[dches]

Nancy, worn Flags can be taken to most American Legion or VFW Posts or Elks Lodges. Explain that the flag is worn and you want it properly disposed of. I live in NH and it is common practice around here for people to bring their worn or damaged flags to these organizations for disposal.

Don

[Msquacks]

My sons are in the JROTC(Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) in our local high school. We give all our tired flags to them and their instructors have a proper disposal ceremony for all the flags they recieve through the year. A matter a fact they are having theirs on the 13th of this month right before school gets out. Everyone is invited. I have not had the chance to make it the last two years but its on my calendar this year. I have been told it is very good. My sons are taught how to respect it. The corps also raises and lowers the flag every day for their school and does the honor guard for their local football games.
So I suggest to look at your local high schools and see if they have a program there and let them dispose of it.

[heavenscent]

Contact a local Girl Scout or Boy Scout group. They have ceremonies for ther retirement of flags.

[NAVA1974]

The above guidance is fine for old, worn out 50-star flags. If it is an authentic older flag with fewer than 50 stars it should be evaluated to determine if it has historic value or collector value even in worn condition. Look at the Star Spangled Banner - That 15 star and 15- stripe flag from 1814 is missing a star and quite a few feet of stripes off the end of the flag, but the Smithsonian just spent 18 Million dollars to preserve and display that old, worn out flag. Keep that in mind next time you find an old flag...