Is your American flag torn, frayed, or faded? It might be time for a new flag, but what do you do with the old one? Today, we’ll look at how to retire your American flag with dignity and grace.
The American flag is more than a piece of cloth. It’s “the emblem of the land I love.” The flag represents American freedom, strength, and values. It deserves respect and careful treatment.
Flying the flag shows your neighbors you are proud to be an American. Flying a tattered flag is a sign of disrespect. When your flag begins to show wear and tear, take it down for cleaning and repairs, or replace it with a new one.
With the average outdoor flag lasting three to six months, you likely have a flag that is ready for disposal. What should you do with it? Don’t throw it away! Instead, retire your American flag with dignity and grace.
Here’s how.
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How to Retire Your American Flag
The crucial thing to know about retiring an American flag is to never toss it in the trash. The flag represents everyone who worked, fought, and died for our rights and freedoms. It also represents the citizens – ALL of us – who make America something to be proud of.
According to the Smithsonian, the US Flag Code was first published in 1923 and adopted by Congress in 1942. It’s based on the belief that the American flag “represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.”
As such, the flag has the right to exist and expire with dignity, grace, and respect. That’s where American flag etiquette comes in. Here are four ways to retire your flag the right way.
1. Burn Your Tattered Flag
The US Flag Code is a set of rules that pertain to American flag etiquette. “The flag, when it is … no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning,” it states.
Although burning is the preferred method of disposal, it can be dangerous. DO NOT burn a nylon or polyester flag, for example. The smoke will contain hazardous chemicals that could harm your lungs.
Make sure you follow the proper technique for a ceremonial flag burning. Obtain a permit, if necessary, and follow your local fire codes.
To start the ceremony, build a small bonfire. Fold the flag in the traditional triangle shape, and place it on top of the flames. Allow it to burn until only the ashes remain, then put the fire out and bury the ashes.
Show respect during the ceremony. Take a moment of silence to reflect on the meaning of the flag. Salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Or sing the National Anthem. Here’s a sound clip of “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by the United States Navy Band:
2. Bury Your Tattered Flag
Flag burial is a good way to retire the flag if you can’t build a fire. Some people don’t like this disposal method, but you can bury the flag in the ground as long as a container protects it. The cloth should not touch the ground or dirt.
For a ceremonial flag burial, find a quality box in good condition. Fold the flag in the traditional tri-fold, place it in the box, and bury it a few feet in the ground.
As with burning, handle the flag with care and consider its meaning as you bury it. Show your respect with a moment of silence or say a few words as you retire the flag.
3. Shred Your Tattered Flag
A flag ceases to be a flag when it’s cut into pieces. Shredding the flag allows you to burn, bury, or recycle the pieces. Recycling is ideal for synthetic flags, since burning these materials can be hazardous.
As with other disposal methods, make sure you shred the flag in a proper and respectful manner. One technique is to separate the red and white stripes with a sharp pair of scissors.
Some people like to say the names of the 13 original colonies as they disassemble the stripes. Others recite the names of all 50 states. (So you remember singing “Fifty Nifty United States” in school? Stream the song or buy the CD here.)
Another way to shred a flag is to cut it in half – first with a vertical cut, then with a horizontal one. Either shredding method is okay, but make sure you leave the blue section with the stars intact. Don’t break the Union by cutting the individual stars.
4. Donate Your Tattered Flag
While the US Flag Code prefers burning as a disposal method, you may have some concerns. Will the fumes hurt the environment or your health? What if you’re unable to build a fire in your backyard?
Today’s flags consist of materials that were not around when the Flag Code was published. Nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fabrics can produce dangerous fumes when burned. That’s why donation may be your best option.
It’s the fastest and easiest way to retire your American flag with dignity and grace.
Many places in your community accept donations for proper flag disposal. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, and even some Home Depot and Walmart stores. Your city hall, fire station, or police station may also have a flag drop box.
When to Replace Your American Flag
Many things affect the condition of your American flag – rain, snow, wind, sun exposure. A good rule of thumb is to replace your flag every 6 to 12 months. This will keep it bright and beautiful as it flies atop the flagpole.
Signs of Wear and Tear
As the US Flag Code states, when your flag is no longer a “fitting emblem of display,” you should retire it in a dignified way. Here are signs it is time to replace your flag:
- tearing of the flag’s fabric
- fraying on the flag’s edges
- fading of the flag’s colors
- holes in the flag’s fabric
- a stain that won’t come out
It’s a good idea to have two American flags that you swap on a regular basis. This leaves you with a flag to hang while the other is being cleaned or repaired. What’s more, switching out the flags will extend the life of both flags.
Common Flag Myths
There are many questions surrounding American flag etiquette. The American Legion – the nation’s largest veterans organization – is a great source for answers. Here are three common myths about the American flag.
Myth 1 – You Must Retire the Flag if It Touches the Ground
You DO NOT have to retire your American flag if it touches the ground. This is a common myth, but one that is untrue. If the flag does touch the ground, pick it up, clean it off, and try your best to keep it from happening again.
Myth 2 – It is Disrespectful to Fly an “Outdated” Flag
It is NOT disrespectful or against the Flag Code to hang an “outdated” flag. The truth is, any flag that was ever approved as the nation’s flag is acceptable and respectable. The Flag Code considers it to be a living and active flag. It never becomes obsolete.
Myth 3 – You Should Not Wash or Dry-Clean the Flag
This is NOT true. There is nothing in the Flag Code that prohibits washing or dry-cleaning the American flag. The decision to clean your flag depends on the type of fabric.
For more facts and myths on how to fly Old Glory, read “Top Ten American Flag Myths,” courtesy of the American Legion.
American Made Flags
Some American flags sold in the USA are not made in the USA. When you’re looking to replace your flag, make a wise choice and buy American Made. There are many flag companies out there, so do your research.
Star Spangled Flags and Valley Forge are two companies with quality flags made in the USA. They sell their flags on Amazon, but you can also find them in brick-and-mortar stores. Mitch and I found our new Valley Forge flag at Lowe’s.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – four ways to retire your American flag with dignity and grace. With these disposal options, there is no reason to ever throw a tattered flag in the trash can.
After you retire your old American flag, buy a new one and display your patriotism on holidays or year-round. Let it remind you how blessed we are to live in a country that embraces life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ◻️
Related Posts
- 9 Memorial Day Scriptures to Honor Our Fallen Heroes
- 10 Good Ways to Display the American Flag Outdoors
- 14 Flag Day Quotes to Honor the Stars and Stripes
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. Where do you display the American flag as a show of patriotism? How do you retire your flag when it becomes torn, frayed, or faded?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to ask a question, leave a response, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
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Media Sources
- Photos: Bauhaus1000 / Getty Images Signature | Canva | License
- Sound Clip: Illegitimate Barrister | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
