What is the correct etiquette for burning a flag?

Answer 1

you must ensure it is a us flag ;)

Answer 2

Burning a flag, according to the Supreme Court of the United States, is protected speech. Since it is symbolic, states cannot come up with statutes banning the speech itself. What states can do is come up with statutes that ban the METHOD of speech or a way to tone it down to keep from harming other people, dirtying public areas, or bothering people to a serious degree.

For instance, many states have statutes that do not prohibit doing anything that litters in public areas are causes a fire hazard. If you want to burn a flag, you are allowed, just do it in such a way that no one is in any danger of getting hurt and that it doesn't leave an awful mess or fire hazard. Be neat, tidy, and respectful of public property. After you are done burning the flag, take the remains with you and throw them away properly; clean up any mess you've made.

Regarding a free speech case, a Supreme Court Justice (I forget which one, specifically) stated that peaceful protest and the burning of flags and the stating of opinions is the sign of a strong country, not a weak one. Just be safe about it.


P.S. It is strongly advised that you do not threaten the lives of any United States officials (like the President). That creates a different mess altogether.

Answer 3

Stick some petrol on it and chuck a match at it. Outside. OUTSIDE. The outside bit is the important bit. Apart from that you're on your own. If you're inviting family and friends remember to serve non-alcoholic as well as alcoholic beverages and a variety of nibbles, including some suitable for vegetarians.
I can't believe some of this nonsense you're getting for answers. 'Respectful flag-burning ceremonies'? I used to go to a rc church, and they did pretty much the same thing to the blood and body of the saviour of this world as youse in the USa are doing to a bit of cloth with some pretty distasteful associations.
(The thing about a digestive biscuit turning into the b. and b. of the s. of this w. is a bit daft too when you think about it; but that's a whole different kettle of fish-on-Fridays, and doesn't really belong in this section.)

Answer 4

An American Flag needs to be burned when it is of no serviceable condition to fly. Torn tattered or faded etc. You can give you flag to your local VFW or American Legion who, by tradition burn flags on Flag Day. You can privately do this yourself and the code calls for serious solemn "ceromony" type affair. Privately and quietly, somber in mood.

Answer 5

Take one 6m stars and striped flag. Wrap one GW Bush, folding twice. Add an Osama Bin Liner and fold over again. Pour 4 litres of petrol over the reefer and put on a face mask. Light and stand well back. Sh!t burns !

Answer 6

If it touches the ground then burn it, there is not set way to burn the flag, just do it out of respect

Answer 7

1. Holding the flag by the top, apply flame to the center of the bottom of the flag

2. Get some of your friends to hold it with you

3. Find a CNN news crew

4. Shake the flag angrily, while shouting "DEATH TO THE INFIDELS! DEATH TO BUSH! DEATH TO AMERICA!"

Answer 8

Say "Mr Flag, you have served me well but your time is nigh and so tonight you shall be cremated and your spirit shall go to flag heaven"...something like that would be nice

Answer 9

IF your thinking about burning the American flag, we should torch your *** too. Case closed!

Answer 10

just make sure it's not an English flag and burn away

Answer 11

FLAG BURNING CEREMONY

Caller Color Guard, Advance

Color Guard Advance

Caller (When Color Guard is in place) The flag of the United States of America is a living symbol of all we hold dear in our great nation whose citizens believe in Liberty, Mutual respect and Justice. the flag stands for the government of our country. It is the emblem of our freedom and of the sovereign rights of the individual. It symbolized our respect for our nation's past and our unswerving faith in it's future.

Color Guard retires color (from flag pole)

Flag is carried taunt horizontally, with stars at Flag Bearers left shoulder, led to alter by Flag Bearer. (While bringing flag to alter, group sings: "America the Beautiful").

Reader When the Flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should not be cast aside or used in any way that might be viewed as disrespectful to the national colors, but should be buried or destroyed by fire.

Color Guards hold flag horizontally to the ground and taut, while Flag Bearer cuts out the blue field of stars. When this is done the right guards fold the strips with respect and the left Guards fold the stars. Flag Bearer is then handed the stripes and she places them on the burning fire; when it has burned sufficiently she places the stars in the fire.

Caller Join me in singing "God Bless America"

Flag bearer is then handed the new flag and she, with the Color Guard, advance to the flag pole and raise the new flag. While flag is being raised girl reads:

Reader I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of colors, a symbol of yourself, the picture suggestion of that big thing which makes this nation. My stars and my stripes are your dreams and your labors. They are bright with cheer, brilliant with courage, firm with faith, because you have made them so out of your heart.

All When the flag is in place, Guards and Bearer return to the group and everyone repeats after the reader the "American Creed":

"I believe in the United States of America. As a Government of the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived form the consent of the governed: a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states. a Perfect union, one and inseparable, established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrifice their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my county to love it, to support it's Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.

Caller Color Guard dismissed, group dismissed.

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Also, most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.