This information is courtesy of the
National Flag Foundation. For more than thirty years,
National Flag Foundation has been America's leading
non-profit patriotic organization devoted to promoting
respect for our nation's most important symbol: The
Flag of the United States of America. The Foundation's
mission is to teach the youth of America to have pride
for the flag and to become more responsible citizens.
You may visit their site at americanflags.org
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'The flag, when it is in such condition that it is
no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed
in a dignified way, preferably by burning." (The United
States Flag Code) The flag should be burned at a private,
non-public location. Conditions of deterioration include
fading, shredding, ripping, dirt and grime that cannot
be cleaned, and torn or damaged halyards and grommets
that cannot be repaired.
In many American communities, one or more organizations
render an important community service by collecting
and overseeing the proper disposal of flags. For information
in your community, try the Boy Scouts of America,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the American Legion.
If they provide a flag retirement service, the flag
can be dropped off and they will perform the ceremony
for several flags at the same time.
A flag retirement ceremony may also be a family activity.
It provides an opportunity to teach and instruct.
If retiring the flag as a family, the following steps
might be considered:
1. Gather the family around. Raise the flag on the
pole or staff or hold it aloft by hand.
2. Call the group to attention. Salute and recite
the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
3. The leader might say something like, "This flag
has served its nation well and long. It is now worn
to a condition in which it should no longer be used
to represent the nation. We pay honor to this flag
for the service it has rendered.
4. Fold the flag according to procedures explained
on this site. Folding the Flag
5. Give the flag to the group leader who will burn
it until it is completely consumed.
To properly fold the
U.S. Flag, follow these steps:
1. Two people face each other, each holding one end
of the flag. Stretch it horizontally at waist height
and fold in half lengthwise, with the blue field facing
down.
2. Again, fold the flag in half lengthwise. The union
(stars) should now be on both sides of the fold.
3. One person holds the flag by the union while the
other starts at the opposite end by making a triangular
fold.
4. Continue to fold the flag in triangles from the
stripes end until only the blue field with stars is
showing.
5. If the hoist is showing and overlapping the blue
field it may be tucked in under the outer layer of
the blue field. The hoist is the edge of the flag
attached to the halyard (rope).
The United States Flag Code, first
adopted in 1923 and later amended, prescribes flag
etiquette for a variety of situations ensuring our
national symbol a position of honor and respect. The
Flag Code is not law, but a guide for civilians who
wish to properly honor the United States of America's
principal emblem.
Each military branch has its own flag code; therefore,
on matters concerning military flag etiquette, National
Flag Foundation recommends that you consult the specific
branch's code.
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional
ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains
specific instructions on how the flag is not to be
used.
They are:
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The flag should never be dipped
to any person or thing.
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The flag should never be displayed
with the union down, except as a signal of dire
distress in instances of extreme danger to life
or property.
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The flag should not be used as
a drapery or for covering a speaker's desk, draping
a platform, or for any decoration in general,
including statues and monuments. Bunting of blue,
white and red stripes is available for these purposes.
The blue stripe of the bunting should be on top.
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The flag should never be used for
any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered,
printed or otherwise impressed on such articles
as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or
anything intended to be discarded after temporary
use. Never use it as part of a costume or athletic
uniform.
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However, it is proper to attach
a flag patch to the uniform of military personnel,
fire fighters, police officers and members of
other patriotic organizations -- provided the
patch is properly affixed.
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Advertising signs should not be
attached to the staff or halyard. The flag should
never have placed on it, or attached to it, any
mark, insignia, letter, work, number, figure,
or drawing of any kind. The flag should never
be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding,
carrying, or delivering anything.
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When the flag is lowered, no part
of it should touch the ground or any other object;
it should be received by waiting hands and arms.
To store the flag it should be folded neatly and
ceremoniously.
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The flag should never be soiled.
It is to be cleaned and mended when necessary.
The flag may be laundered or dry-cleaned.
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When a flag is so worn (tattered,
ripped, faded) it is no longer fit to serve as
the symbol of our country, it should be destroyed
in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
See: Flag Retirement
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