Many Americans proudly fly the American flag at their homes and places of work.  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.

 

According to the United States Flag Code, an American flag can be cleaned or mended when necessary.  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.

 

The U.S. Flag Code does allow for flag repairs though a professional seamstress is preferable to a DIY job.  Sewing an American flag requires special care so long as the dimensions of the flag are not distorted or noticeably altered.  When a flag becomes unfit for display, e.g., faded, worn or torn, it is necessary to replace it, but what do you do with it?  The Flag Code dictates that the excessively worn and tattered American flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner.  Don't just throw it in the trash like any other old item — that's considered disrespectful.

 

The American flag, i.e., Old Glory, will always be an enduring symbol of our history, values, and culture.  Nonetheless, flags do not last forever.  Over time, your flag will become worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, from exposure to the elements or the passage of time itself.  When one or more of these conditions becomes evident, it is every patriot's duty to retire an old flag with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation's flag.  Luckily, there are multiple options for appropriate flag disposal.

 

Just as there’s etiquette for displaying "Old Glory”, there's also etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner.

 

There are several specific governmental and private organizations that will accept your flag upon request.  These include the armed services, Scouts of America, and your local American Legion Post or Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter.  Each of these organizations is designated to provide the correct ceremonies for flag retirement.

 

Flags don't always have to be disposed of with such pomp and circumstance.  If you can not drop yours off with one of the aforementioned groups, you can do your own small ceremony — as long as it's still held in a dignified manner.

 

 

This option is only for American flags that are made of cotton or wool material.

 

The American flag is considered such a sacred symbol that burning it in an undignified manner constitutes desecration.  That's why the ceremonies are held in a specific manner.  Burning is the preferred method of disposal, according to the United States government.  In fact, the American Legion passed a resolution about flag retirement ceremonies at its 19th National Convention in September 1937, and they've been an important ritual ever since.  According to the resolution, "The approved method of disposing of unserviceable flags has long been that they be destroyed by burning."

 

We are of the opinion that the American Legion's Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is a dignified tribute to the American flag and to its symbolism.  We therefore conclude that this ceremony is both legal and proper, and that it is an effective instrument for promoting enhanced respect for the American flag.  Click on the "Manual of Ceremonies" for a detailed procedure for retiring old American flags. 

 

We encourage your use of the ceremony on the day Americans celebrate Flag Day, June 14th.  By doing so, you will enhance respect to the flag in your community and provide a much-needed service to those who have flags needing to be retired.

 

 

 

 

Before proceeding,  make sure you're conforming to local and state fire codes and ordinances.

 

Essential elements include:

 

 

 

It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.

 

 

 

This option is for American flags that are made of synthetic or nylon material.

 

Because modern flags are made from petroleum-based products, burning them releases toxic gases.  Therefore, people are increasing looking to methods other than ceremonial burning to respectfully dispose of an American flag.  Cutting your flag into pieces is one approved option for disposal.  This is acceptable because once it is cut into pieces, it is no longer considered a flag.  A flag should never be torn up like an old bed sheet.  It should be cut up with scissors or shears in a methodical manner.

 

Essential elements include:

 

 

 

The reason we do not cut the blue star field is it represents the union of the fifty states and one should never let the union be broken.

 

 

Have you ever considered offering final rites for your flag?

 

Essential elements include:

 

 

There are multiple options for retiring your American flag, but they all serve one common purpose: to retire the flag in a manner that is respectful, safe, and patriotic.

 

Please contact your local VFW post if you'd like assistance or more information on proper flag disposal.