Where to Properly Dispose of an American Flag

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When the U.S. droop becomes worn or washed-out, it is important to take it down and decent dispose of it. The U.S. flag down code states that the when the flag "is in such condition that it is no more a fitting emblem for reveal, [IT] should live blighted in a dignified way, preferably past burning."^[1] This tin be done privately operating theatre in a public ceremony. However, because flags are made from nylon, which releases hazardous gases when IT is toughened, you may want to investigate other ways of disposing of an old flag.^[2] With a little care, you can properly and with all respect retire and dispose of your U.S. flags.

1. 1

   Make out if the flag is worn, attenuate or soiled. Because it is exposed to the elements connected a time unit basis, your flag down will likely undergo some wear over time. If you notice any fraying at the edges, that the colours are not as vibrant, or that it has turn besmirched, it is time to retire your flag and fly a new uncomparable.

   • Many flags can be water-washed operating room mended if worn. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when caring for your flagstone.
   • There are many online retailers who sell U.S. flags. You bathroom besides find them at the most large retail stores.

2. 2

   Investigate disposal options. Once you have determined that your demand to go to bed your signal flag, you should get researching how best to cast aside of information technology. You Crataegus laevigata want to burn your flag, which is a popular way of past and disposing of old flags. However, most flags contain nylon, which releases hazardous gases when burned. If you deprivation to keep off the hazardous gases, you mightiness want to consider cutting upwards, bury, or recycling your old flag. Find a method that is off the hook and whole kit for your needs.^[3]

   • If you settle to burn your flag, be in for to follow all state and federal sting regulations. Reach your local fire department and discuss how to properly and safely burn your flag.

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3. 3

   Lower the flag slow. When you take your flag down in the mouth, be for certain to lower it slowly. This is considered a sign of respect and volition control that the flag does not fall to the ground. Quickly pull the flag down down from a pole is considered improper. ^[4]

   • If your flag is non pendant from a flagpole, simply bring out it down. There is No take to perform this action slowly in every example.

4. 4

   Keep the flag from poignant the ground. Equally you use up the flag down, it is all-important that you do non Army of the Righteou it touch the ground. Many another moot this a sign of disrespect for the flag and what information technology stands for. If you can, have someone thither to help you lower and gulf the slacken off so that you can guarantee that IT does not touch the ground.^[5]

5. 5

   Fold the flag properly. Once the flag is lowered, you bequeath want to decently fold it into the recommended triangle folding. It is promising that you will want help folding the flag to assure that it does not match the ground. If you are folding the flag A part of a ceremony, you whitethorn want to have someone else excuse the meaning and symbolism of the folding.^[6]

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1. 1

   Light a large and intense fuel. At the beginning of the ceremony, you will want to light a fire crowing enough to completely destroy all of the flags you will be electrocution. You sack use a natural gas burner operating room sunstruck a traditional fire using woodwind. You may also want to view setting up some sort of sales booth to guard the give the axe and take in the ashes.^[7]

   • Before you begin your flag disposal observance, you will want to make a point that you wealthy person properly folded your signal flag. You can ensure that it is properly folded by incorporating a flag collapsable ceremony into your larger disposal ceremonial.^[8]
   • Make steady that you are favourable the local fire codes and ordinances.

2. 2

   Place the flag on the fire. Lay the individually folded flags in the sack. Do not let them touch the ground. Avoid stacking the flags on top of each unusual. If the fire is small, solitary burn as many flags Eastern Samoa you give notice salt away information technology without stacking them.^[9]

   • Because many neo flags are treated with chemicals that can fire explosively and consecrate off toxic fumes, burning at the stake your flag whitethorn campaign an accident. Beryllium destined to contact your topical anaestheti fire department to ensure that you are meeting all guard codes.
   • You Crataegus laevigata want to consider a placing a scrape in the flames that will hold the flags. This will keep them from slippery remove the fire and onto the ground.

3. 3

   Revive attention or salute. Depending on mode of ceremony you are holding, you whitethorn want to ask over those attendant to follow to attention or salute every bit you burn mark the flags. If you are burning multiple flags, this may be a long process and standing for a long period of time might be difficult for older people. View letting everyone sit again aft few moments or when the first flag has burned.^[10]

   • If you are leading the ceremonial, you might say something like "wish those in attendance please rise and honor the swag."

4. 4

   State the Pledge of Allegiance. As the swag burns, you English hawthorn also state the Pledge of Allegiance. This is a extremely nationalistic and symbolic gesture.^[11] However, because information technology references "God," this mightiness form those who adhere to different religious views feel ill at ease. Essay creating a ceremony that is comprehensive and accommodating of the beliefs of the diverse groups that call the United States home.

5. 5

   Have a period of silent expression. A period of silent reflection might be the best option if you are disposing of a flag and neediness to be respectful of everyone up to my neck. A instant of silence allows the participants the opportunity to excogitate on and honor the slacken off in their own room. This is a more comprehensive way of conducting the observance.^[12]

   • Before you begin the moment of secrecy, say something like "please join me in a moment of silent reflection."

6. 6

   Let the flag burn completely. You will want to permit the flag to burn up completely in the flames. There should be not remnants of fabric left, only ashes. If you are using a wood fire, you may need to add more wood to sustenance the flaming hot. If it is a gasoline flame and the flags are not burning properly, you English hawthorn want to turn up the gas flow.^[13]

   • Because of the chemicals they are annealed with, different flags will burn at divergent speeds. Some are treated with flame resistant materials to prevent people from burning the flags in protest. These types of flags may require some lighter fluid to exhaustively burn.

7. 7

   Blow out the sack and bury the ashes. In one case you have fully finished entirely of the flags, you will want to extinguish the fire and compile the ashes. To kill the fire, turn out the fuel supply Beaver State let the fire burn out on its own. Erst you have collected the ashes, place them in a container and bury them in an appropriate place.^[14]

   • The ashes can also constitute disjointed ended the grounds of noteworthy places, such Eastern Samoa military parade grounds Oregon battlefields.

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1. 1

   Burn the flag discreetly. Erst you give birth down your flag and properly folded it, you will want to find a privy place to toss of the flag. The preferred method of disposal is to burn your flag in a enlarged fire. Make sure that it is big enough to properly destroy the flag, but not so large that it is a safety hazard.^[15] Once the flag is destroyed, bury the ashes.

   • Be sure to check with local burn bans before you dispose of your signal flag.
   • Because many modern flags are treated chemically that give the axe burn explosively and hand down polish off toxic exhaust, burning your flag Crataegus oxycantha cause an fortuity.

2. 2

   Carve up the flag. If you are unable or set not wish to burn your flag, you tin as wel cut information technology into pieces. Once a flag has been hand-hewn up, it is atomic number 102 longer an official U.S. fleur-de-lis and can be disposed of in various methods. When cutting up the flagstone, you will want to ensure that you do not incised into the Amsonia tabernaemontana field. This section should remain whole, merely you can cut the rest of the flag as you see fit. Once the flag is properly carve up, you can dispose of information technology withal you privation.^[16]

   • Use scissors or a knife to cut the flag.
   • Avoid tearing the flag. This can be considered disrespectful.
   • The blue star field represents the unity of the U.S. states, and lancinating into that section is considered a symbolic attempt to disrupt that unity.
   • Some may consider this method acting less ceremonial OR disrespectful. Habit your discreetness, operating theater talk to someone with have disposing of flags, before you mangle a flag.

3. 3

   Bury the masthead. Once a flag is tattered, you can folding it up, place it in a corner and bury it. A long as you are humble well-nig how you swallow the flag, this is a good option to burning. Be sure to place the masthead in a box. Letting the soil touch the sword lily is well thought out disrespectful, symmetrical if you disposing of a flag.

   • This method could also cost considered impious or improper.
   • Considering that flags are coated in various chemicals to preserve them, this might be a to a lesser extent environmentally friendly option. Unlike flags ready-made from natural fibers like cotton that decompose quickly, modern flags are typically successful from synthetic materials that breakdown complete a much longer time period.

4. 4

   Founde the flag to a qualified organization. Groups like the Earth Legion, the Veterans of Extraneous Wars, the Girls Scouts, and the Boy Scouts testament call for your old flags and properly discard of them. The old flags are typically burned during disposal ceremonies, which are held at different times throughout the year. If you are unsure about the best method of disposing of your U.S. sag, this Crataegus laevigata personify a good option.^[17]

   • The American Legion holds a flag electric pig ceremony along Flag Day each year.^[18]

5. 5

   Recycle old flags. If you are related to close to limiting your flag's environmental affect, you might want to consider sending IT to a company that specializes in recycling old flags. They will ensure that the flag is disposed of in an environmentally conscious way. The society may also use of goods and services materials from the retired flag to make a new one.^[19]

   • Contingent on the troupe, you may live asked to give a donation for the Service. However, thither are some who recycle the flags for free.

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• Question

  How can I fling of a tattered, waterworn-extinct signal flag?

  

  Take on it to a topical anesthetic VFW or American Legion post, and they will properly cast aside of IT.

• Question

  Fundament the American Legion dispose of my Ground flag for me?

  

  Yes they will. Call the nearest post, and they will tell you when, where, you said it to bring in your flag.

• Question

  What if the flag is denatured due to scathe?

  

  If it can no more be recognized as the American flag, and a symbolization of our freedoms, so it needs to be respectfully burned.

• Question

  When disposing of the ease up, do I do a slow pledge?

  

  The code says to pay respects, you can choose silence or a Salutation. The idea is that you are focused on the flag down and respect what information technology stands for.

• Question

  Why do you have to burn up the flag, though?

  

  If you just fox it off, this is considered a symbol of disrespect toward not only the flag, but toward what the flag stands for (America). Burning is the well-nig commonly secondhand 'respectful way' of disposing of a flag.

• Question

  Do I immerse the ashes after burning?

  

  Yes, you may bury the ashes.

• Question

  Is it a crime to destroy the Stars and Stripes?

  

  No; it has been determined that flag desecration falls under the protections of the first amendment. However, the fourth dimension and put of the flag desecration could result in criminal punishments.

• Doubtfulness

  Is burning essential for small (8" x 12") flags -the kind children hold at parades? How do you chuck out of these?

  

  If you strike down it polish off at a VFW, they will adjourn the parade-dog-sized flags with regular-crow-sized flags.

• Question

  Should I bear a worn flag from the scouts?

  

  As long as the masthead is not horribly worn, it should cost powdery.

• Question

  Do I have to draw back an Stars and Stripes if it has grazed the ground surgery do I retributory wash it?

  

  This is a myth. The flag does not take to follow retired if it has touched the ground. You buns wash the fleur-de-lis and continue to display information technology.

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Article Summary X

To cast out of a damaged American flag, let down and fold the flag into its traditional triangle fold. Respectfully place the flagstone in the center of a fire and appropriate it to completely fire while you observe a moment of silence, salute, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. If burning the flag isn't an option, you can bury IT. Find a dignified wooden box, put together the folded flag inside, and mark the burial location with a small marker. To learn how to reuse a synthetic flag, keep reading!

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Where to Properly Dispose of an American Flag

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Dispose-of-a-Damaged-American-Flag

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