purpleheartoklahoma
Lawton, OK
United States
ph: 580-583-6417
brucedwy
How to dispose of a worn American Flag
This article paraphrased/cobbled together from several sources by me. Note that one source had said to fold the flag in the normal trifold manner first before burning-but my take on this is it would not probably burn well.and it must be burned completely, if you're going to burn it.
So I took that method out. Bruce Dwyer
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"
Here are three ways to dispose of an American flag that has become unfit for display including proper folding and ceremonial guidelines.
The American Flag has been a highly respected and much revered symbol for the United States for nearly 230 years. We fly the American flag to show our patriotism, love for and loyalty to the United States. We fly them from poles, lanyards, windows and cars and trucks. Some flags are flown every minute of every day and others are flown only on certain days. Depending on when and where a flag is displayed, environmental factors surrounding the flag and quality of the material, a flag can wear out very quickly.
It is not respectful to display an American flag when it is faded, worn or torn. An outdoor American flag can be laundered in a mild detergent, either by hand or using the delicate setting on your machine, and rinsed thoroughly. Indoor flags and those used in parades should be dry cleaned. Some dry cleaning businesses offer free dry cleaning of American flags during the months of June and July. Flags can also be repaired so long as the dimensions of the flag are not distorted or noticeably altered. When a flag becomes unfit for display it is necessary to replace it.
Disposal of a faded or worn American flag is to be done in one of three ways.
1) You can, if necessary, put the flag out for collection only after you have removed the blue field from the flag. The blue field is to be burned in a peaceful manner and the ashes buried.
2) You can also give the flag to any American Legion, VFW or government office as they will know where to send the flag for proper disposal. They may even suggest a local Boy Scout Troop or organization where public ceremonies are held to discharge flags from service.
3) The other method is to burn the flag yourself in a proper ceremony. If you are able to personally discharge your worn flag from service the ceremony that follows is the proper way:
You can stand at attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection or a moment of silence. The flag may be cut up first for ease of burning-as the flag must be completely burned.
The blue field should cut out and placed on top. An accelerant like kerosene may be used. The flag may be placed on a rack inside something like a 55 gallon drum. Be careful to follow basic safety rules and local fire/burning regs.
Once the flag has been burned completely to ashes the fire should be extinguished. The ashes are now to be gathered and buried.
Copyright 2010 purpleheartoklahoma. All rights reserved.
purpleheartoklahoma
Lawton, OK
United States
ph: 580-583-6417
brucedwy