Burning the American flag might seem wrong. The flag represents our nation’s values and everything it stands for. It deserves the utmost respect. According to the U.S. Flag Code, it should never touch anything beneath it. Even though burning the flag often seems unethical, there’s one exception: a flag-burning retirement ceremony.
Overview of Flag-Burning Retirement Ceremony
A flag-burning retirement ceremony is an event during which a heavily worn or tattered American flag — or multiple American flags — is disposed of through burning. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner. Among the approved methods for disposal is a flag-burning retirement ceremony. By respectfully burning a heavily worn American flag, you can dispose of it.
How a Flag-Burning Retirement Ceremony Works
Because they are made of cloth fabrics — cotton, polyester, linen, etc. — American flags can degrade. It typically won’t happen immediately, but if you fly an American flag in front of your home or business for a prolonged period, you can expect it to show some form of wear and tear. Assuming your American flag is just stained or blemished, you might be able to wash it. If washing doesn’t suffice, though, you may want to replace it by burning your old American flag and investing it in a new one.
Flag-burning retirement ceremonies are conducted by individuals as well as organizations. There’s really no universal way to conduct a flag-burning retirement ceremony for disposing of old American flags. Rather, different people and organizations use different approaches. With that said, there are a few things you should know if you’re planning to conduct a flag-burning retirement ceremony. First and foremost, make sure your fire is hot enough to completely incinerate the flag. If it’s not hot, it may simply scorch the exterior while leaving your flag only partially burned. You should also fold the American flag before placing it in the fire. And as you proceed to place the American flag in the fire, show respect by saluting.
Several organizations regularly host flag-burning retirement ceremonies, some of which include the following:
- The American Legion
- Boy Scouts of America
- Girl Scouts of the USA
- The Veterans of Foreign Wars
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
