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RETIREMENT OF THE U.S. FLAG

U.S. Flag Code

The U.S. Flag Code says, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Once your American flag has become worn, it is important to dispose of it in a respectful manner.

A flag may be buried.

Should you choose this method of retirement, you must fold the flag in a ceremonial triangle and place it within a sturdy wooden box. The box must then be buried several feet underground.

A flag may be burned.

You must also fold the flag in the ceremonial triangle and place it in a fire. No part of the flag may touch the ground. The flag must be burnt completely and the ashes buried. Never burn a flag that is made of nylon or polyester; the smoke will contain harsh chemicals.

A flag may be retired.

You may also choose to retire your flag by putting it in a flag retirement box. These boxes are managed by local organizations such as: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Girls Scouts of the USA, or Scouts BSA. If you don’t know where to find a collection box, contact one of these local groups for further information.

How to Fold and Retire the American Flag

1
Straighten out the flag to full length.
2
Fold it lengthwise once.
3
Fold it lengthwise once more making sure the open edges are facing away from you. Also, make sure the union of the stars faces up.
4
Start the triangular fold. Bring the striped right corner of the folded edge up to the open edge.
5
Take the outer edge of the triangle and fold it in on itself. The triangle aligns with the open edges.
6
Fold the triangle on the diagonal. Continue folding in a triangular and diagonal way.
7
Tuck the remaining rectangle into the triangle fold.
8
When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.
9
Dispose of the retired flag. Place folded flag on top of fire. While the flag burns, it is traditional to pay respects by saluting, observing a moment of silence, or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. After the flag has burned completely, the fire can be put out or allowed to burn out on its own. The ashes should then be buried.

The United States flag must always be treated with honor and respect as they represent those who fought and sacrificed their lives for the rights and freedoms of the American people. In 1976, Congress amended the Flag Code to include the statement that the U.S. flag is a living entity and, as such, has all the rights thereof, including the right to exist and expire with dignity.

Flags retired with Scouts BSA are generally burned in a reverent ceremony several times a year. If you are interested in reading the script used by many troops, you can take a look here: http://usscouts.org/ceremony/flagret1.asp

Some Scout BSA troops will recycle the flag.

To do this, the flag must be cut. The appropriate way to cut an American flag is demonstrated in the illustration.

United States Flag Code (section 8K)

The flag, when it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in dignafied way, preferably by burning.

Organizations that will Dispose of Your Flag for You

The American Legion

Veterans of Foreign Wars

The Boy Scouts of America

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America

Other Methods of Flag Disposal

The U.S. Flag can also be disposed of by burying, shredding, or recycling. For nylon flags, recycling is preferable, since it is more environmentally conscious.