As a revered symbol of freedom and justice, the flag of the United States of America deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. This respect extends to the eventual detection or destruction of the flag. The Code of the Flag of the United States of America (4 USC, Sec. 8, Par. K, issued on 7 July 1976) reads: The Flag, when in conditions such that it can no longer be considered as an appropriate symbol to be displayed, it must be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning it”. Follow the steps in this guide to learn how to dispose of a torn or damaged flag with due respect.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Method 1: Respectfully burn the flag
Step 1. Make a fire
Light a medium-sized campfire in a safe place away from other buildings or trees. If you can, use a well-maintained fireplace or a designated area. Sweep away leaves, trash, or other waste. Beyond posing a security risk, an area soiled with these things is not befitting the flag's dignity.
- Wait for the flames to become strong but stable. The fire should be large enough to incinerate the entire flag, but not so strong that it can carry pieces of the burned flag out of the hearth.
- Avoid getting rid of the flag on particularly windy days. If the flag flies off while it is burning, it can cause serious fire hazards.
- Check the fire regulations in your area. Some jurisdictions prohibit lighting fires without the prior permission of the local government. Visit the website of the Ministry of the Environment for more information.
Step 2. Drop and fold the flag
Tattered, torn or irretrievably soiled flags should be respectfully withdrawn. If the flag is up, slowly lower it respectfully and remove it from the pole. Fold the flag back into its traditional triangular pouch. If you're not sure how to fold it properly, check out our guide or visit the Foreign War Veterans website for instructions.
Always handle the flag with care and respect. Don't leave it on the ground and don't put anything on it as you carry it to the fire
Step 3. Carefully place the folded flag on top of the fire
Place the flag in the center of the flames, being careful not to burn yourself. If the fire is too hot to be able to put the flag directly on it, wait for it to go down - do not throw the flag into the fire from a distance. Watch out for the flag - make sure it burns safely and completely. Not completely burning the flag before throwing it away is considered unworthy.
Do not throw the flag into the fire without first folding it. In addition to being disrespectful, a loose or inflated flag can easily fly off.
Step 4. Take a moment of respect towards the flag
As soon as it burns, observe it with reverence. You can also show your respect for the flag in words or deeds - for example, you can say hello to the flag or observe a moment of silence. Either way, make sure you remain respectful and reverent as soon as the flag is thrown. Don't chat, make jokes, or distract your attention (for example on the phone) while the flag is burning.
- The disposals of official government flags are accompanied by an elaborate ceremony where the flag is formally presented, recognized and destroyed.
- If you are at home, you may want to give a little speech before or after the burning of the flag. If you do, focus on the symbolism of the flag - what does it represent to you? Does getting rid of it make you feel sad? Why are you sad to throw it away?
Step 5. Recite the Loyalty Oath
When the flag is destroyed, take a moment to honor it with the Pledge of Loyalty. Receiving the Pledge of Loyalty is a noble and dutiful duty for your flag. The flag is more than a piece of cloth - it represents freedom and justice and commemorates the sacrifices made by brave men and women in support of these ideals. Show your attachment to the flag and the ideals it represents by bonding to it with the Pledge of Loyalty.
The words of the Oath of Fidelity are: "I swear allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic it represents, a nation united under God, indivisible, with freedom and justice for all"
Step 6. Make sure the fire goes out completely
When there is nothing left of the flag, you should put out the fire. Alternatively, you could let it go out on its own gradually and safely (if you choose this option, don't leave the fire unattended as it goes out). Practice safety protocols when putting out a fire. If you have started a campfire, extinguish the coal completely with water.
Do not burn hot charcoals with other people around, especially if they are barefoot (for example, if you are at a public beach) - you could cause severe burns
Step 7. Consider more elaborate ceremonial options
The steps listed describe a simplified DIY version of getting rid of an American flag. They are ideal if, for example, you want to throw away a flag you kept at home. However, if you have access to experienced flag bearers and are capable of handling formal ceremonies and / or giving orders to flag bearers, you may choose to conduct a formal retreat ceremony similar to that which Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts perform.
These formal ceremonies are also a great opportunity if you have a good number of unused flags, as you can only use one flag to represent all of the ones you are clearing throughout the day. When you clear flags en masse, it is often impractical to organize a single retreat ceremony for each flag
Method 2 of 2: Method 2: Choose Alternative Disposal Methods
Step 1. Bury and / or shred the flag
If, for whatever reason, you cannot burn the flag, you may choose to bury it. Contrary to popular belief, burning is not the only way a flag can be thrown away. The United States Flag Code states that burning is only the recommended method of disposal - as long as you clear the flag with respect and dignity an alternative method is acceptable. To bury the flag, start by finding a decent wooden box - it should be of good quality and workmanship, since this box will serve as a container for the flag and will be buried in the ground. Fold the flag respectfully and place it in the box. Bury the flag in the ground. You can mark the flag's burial place with a small and respectful wooden or stone symbol.
- Before burying the flag, you can also shred it to shreds. Tearing an American flag to shreds may at first seem like a violent or unworthy act. However, if burning the flag isn't possible, US Army Heralds recommends shredding it to shreds as an acceptable method of disposal, as long as it is done with reverence. Use scissors to slowly and methodically separate the thirteen strips, leaving the blue star field intact. After the flag is completely cut into pieces, place it in a respectful container and bury it or ceremoniously burn the pieces one by one, starting with the stripes and ending with the blue field.
- You might even consider organizing a small "funeral" for the flag. Make a small, reverent speech about the importance of the flag as soon as it is placed in its "coffin". Remain standing carefully when the flag is stowed underground. Observe a moment of silence as soon as the flag is buried.
Step 2. Consider recycling synthetic flags
When the Flag Code was written, almost all flags were made of cloth or other natural fabrics. Today, however, many flags are made of nylon, polyester, or other man-made materials. These modern materials, when burned, can produce toxic fumes that are harmful to the environment (and to anyone around them). Private and non-profit organizations have been formed to recycle vinyl flags - contact a group like American Flag Recycling for more information.
Among organizations that provide criteria for the proper disposal of American flags, opinions vary depending on whether it is respectful to recycle the flag. The American Boy Scouts promote the recycling of synthetic flags, while the American Legion is against. Look for arguments for both positions, and then make your own decision - does recycling the American flag seem disrespectful to you?
Step 3. Flag a qualified organization
Some organizations in the United States offer flag disposal services with an appropriate ceremony upon your request and without commission. The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Boy Scouts, American Girl Scouts and the United States Army provide this service. If you don't have access to any of these organizations, you can try contacting your municipality or local government.
Advice
Do not wet or cover the flag with fuel. If you need to use a fuel, such as a liquid to ensure a complete burn, apply it to the wood you use to start the fire
Warnings
- Always burn the flag correctly as described in the instructions provided.
- Always use caution when dealing with fire and flammable substances.
