Flag disposal

Jennie@ifish · 10-30-2007, 10:04 AM

Flag disposal

I have a small flag that is all moldy from flying outside all year. I need to replace it with a nice crisp one. It goes in a plant on the front porch.

How do I respectfully dispose of it, though?

I can't seem to put it in the garbage, or to burn it.

I had heard that burning, though, is the most appropriate, if done right.

I dunno! What is the right way?

It's been sitting in a drawer forever, and it needs to be disposed of. I'm allergic to mold!

Jen

Chromaflage · 10-30-2007, 10:09 AM

Jen - here's a site that can help:

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

Or you can contact your local VFW or American Legion hall. They can assist.

CrF

Boatdog · 10-30-2007, 10:10 AM

It should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

dixiefisher · 10-30-2007, 12:06 PM

Jennie,
I don't know if you want to go to all the trouble.....but, I knew a boy scout troop that would conduct the ceremony....it was a great way for them to get and practice something that is not too common anymore....maybe you could find a local troop that would be willing/capable......

trap50 · 10-30-2007, 12:37 PM

What about burning flags that are made out of poly material? I had one that you put in a car window.

hawgcatcher · 10-30-2007, 01:01 PM

Jennie, contact the Tillamook Elks lodge. They have a burning ceremony every year. You could probably drop it off and they will take care of it.

fishkisser · 10-30-2007, 01:52 PM

Your local V.F.W. will take care of it for you also...

Chrome Bumper · 10-31-2007, 08:40 PM

Burn it in the company of loved ones, the nylon ones burn great. If you don't know the thread composition then use a nice hot fire. A hot campfire just before hitting the rack seems appropriate.

JustCallMeDave · 10-31-2007, 08:44 PM

With all of the ways that the flag code is violated for the sake of "patriotism", it is very refreshing to see you want to do the right thing with Old Glory.

Thanks, Jennie.

Chrome Bumper · 10-31-2007, 09:10 PM

May I suggest dry western red cedar kindling as a retirement pyre.

Jennie@ifish · 11-01-2007, 10:50 AM

Thank you for all of the interesting reading and ideas.
I'd love to do the boy scout idea, but I feel silly. It's only a foot long. It's a small flag, but.. you know... it's still a flag.

Jen

OceanBlue · 11-01-2007, 12:25 PM

Hey Jennie, Last year we got a fire going in the woodstove and Katelyn played Taps on the trumpet. When she was done, we carefully placed the flag into the fire. I think it was pretty dignified. I was amazed at how quickly that thing went up in smoke! It sure didn't linger... Somehow that made it feel okay.

StickFish · 11-01-2007, 01:02 PM

In Scouts we basically did the same thing at the end of every summer the camp flag came down at the last session's closing and was burned at sunset after taps was played (sometimes better than others) with all present and accounted for. A full clean uniform was required and that was often the hardest part for a bunch of kids who had been living in the woods for two weeks.

Mtn Man · 11-01-2007, 04:03 PM

My Scouts and I retire about a dozen flags a year. Most troops would love to help you out. Let me know if I can help. If you want to do it yourself it would be very appropriate.
I could even send you one of the ceremonies that we use, otherwise just make it dignified and personal.

matttheduck · 11-01-2007, 05:42 PM

By law, there are only 3 organizations that are allowed to dispose of flags - the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marines and the Boy Scouts of America. If I were you, I'd contact a local Scout Troop and ask about it. If you need a contact, PM me.

Joe Schwab · 11-01-2007, 06:12 PM

"American Legion Posts and local governments often have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags."

While that statement is true, it's also true that they often have neither the facilities nor the knowledge. Furthermore, many municipalities have contacted USA Flag Site for what they should do with unserviceable flags. The only definitive answer is found in the US Flag Code. TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 1 > Sec. 8(k). It states:
"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"

Hold it off the ground, over a hot fire and let the heat consume it.

Chrome Bumper · 11-02-2007, 09:31 AM

If its just dirty/nasty maybe a ride in the washer with some hot water and bleach is in order. Just wash it when no one is looking.

Jennie@ifish · 11-02-2007, 01:29 PM

I would appreciate... can I send it in the mail to one of the boy scouts troops, then?
Is that appropriate?

I feel silly. I should just be able to do it, but I'd rather not.

Jen

Jennie@ifish · 11-02-2007, 01:30 PM

I know! Maybe we should bring all expired flags that we have to the Christmas Party and then someone from the boy scouts could pick them up, there?

That would be neat!

PapaHog · 11-02-2007, 02:21 PM

I have one that I salvaged from the Hillsboro land fill this summer. It had been run over by that big garbage tractor and was stuck in the mud. Digging, pulling and then cleaning it is still not use-able and is folded properly in my garage at home and will be taken to an American Legion post when I return to the west coast.

Jennie@ifish · 11-02-2007, 04:33 PM

I'm going to send mine to Matttheduck's scout troop.

Thanks!

Jen