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Written by: Lifestyle

How To Properly Dispose of an American Flag

All citizens should know how to properly dispose of a worn-out American flag. Learn the correct ways to take down your star-spangled banner here.

How To Properly Dispose of an American Flag

Many US citizens take the American flag for granted. We see these symbols daily—on our cars and houses, outside businesses, and in the hands of protesters and veterans alike. But for some people, the American flag is more than just a piece of cloth—it symbolizes freedom, democracy, and everything they’ve ever fought for. Each color on our flag has a special meaning, and when those colors start to fade or become damaged in any way, the flag should no longer fly. The following steps will help you properly dispose of an American flag that is worn out or damaged.

Flag Ceremonies

If a flag is no longer a fitting emblem, it should be properly destroyed by burningDepending on where you live, local organizations may participate in flag disposal ceremonies. Contact your local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Boy Scout troop, or Girl Scout troop; these organizations have programs to help dispose of your flag. Contact them directly to find out if they offer this program and what fees might be associated with this service.

If you don’t have access to any of the above organizations, or if there’s no organized ceremony in your area, consider burning the flag with some friends. You can burn it on Veterans’ Day or Memorial Day in a respectful ceremony with fellow patriots.

Proper Disposal

If you decide to burn your flag yourself, there are some things you should know. First, ensure that the flag is made from natural materials. If it has not been treated with toxic chemicals, it is safe to start a fire that is large enough to completely burn the flag and place it on the flame. Ensure it’s not too windy when you burn your flag, and do not use any accelerants such as lighter fluid or kerosene. Burning the flag properly is crucial to prevent fires and other hazards.

Prep Your Flag

The flag should not touch the ground before going into the flames. When you’re ready to properly dispose of an American flag, you have a few choices on how to begin the process. You can either fold the flag in a rather specific manner or cut it into individual sections before burning it. Once your flag is completely burned, it is customary to dispose of the ashes.

If burning is not an option, look for local services that will recycle your flag to make new flags. You can likely find their disposal containers around town. A quick online search for your area will also tell you the locations available for flag donation.

All in Honor

The American flag symbolizes freedom and a way to honor the individuals who have fought for our country. As such, the best way to dispose of an old flag is by burning it in a respectful ceremony with fellow patriots who can share stories about what this symbol means to them and their country.

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Last modified: August 1, 2022