I have bought a new flag to display on the front of my house to replace an old one. I am just curious of the proper way to discard the old flag? I believe in all the traditions and respect that is to be given to the flag so want to make sure I do this properly!

Thanks!

 

Burn it discretely. Or, find a local VFW and ask them to take care of it for you; most will do so gladly rather than have someone just trash it or burn it disrespectfully.

Jason

 

Try the local Boy Scouts. Some of them hold a flag burning ceremony a couple times a year. I've got one I need to get to somebody, to properly dispose of it. You might try
american Legion also.

 

Cut the blue (star) section from the red/white (stripe) section.....Burn them separately.

DO NOT light the flag. Start a separate fire....Then put the pieces in the fire........In other words.....Dousing a flag with lighter fluid and putting the zippo to it is a no-no.......

 

Best Way - Proper American Flag Disposal | eHow.com

This link only serves to para phrase the already excellent posts on this subject matter. I'm proud that so many of you know of such matters.

 

Considering the problems we have with air polution, I can't help but wonder if it isn't time to come up with another, respectful way to retire a flag. I also have vivid memories of the disrepectful flag burnings of the '60s and association is a bit jarring.

Until Congress changes it (assuming that would ever happen), flag retirement by respectful burning is still the only correct way.

 

Flags last a long time, I doubt they contribute anything to air pollution. You could probably offset it by holding your breath for a few seconds

 

Thanks all for the advice. I might look into the VFW, Boy Scouts, American Legion, etc....not sure if I could put a lighter to it!

 

I removed the blue field & burned one after my last uncle (a vet) died ,(he used to take care of them for me) ,had a difficult time with it . My son or my friend (both vets) take them to the local VFW for me now ...

 

My local VFW has a mailbox in its lobby where you can place your old flags. They have a ceremony when it gets full.