How to dispose of an old US flag?

Answer 1

There is a special procedure and honors to be observed when burning an unserviceable flag. Take such flags to an American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars post, or to the local office of the Boy Scouts. They will know exactly what to do.

Answer 2

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"

You can find a good copy of the entire US Flag Code at the Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
USA Flag Site provides the high points of American Flag etiquette in a more user friendly format on our Flag Etiquette page.


While we simply cannot respond personally to every inquiry, we'll try to add the most common questions and answers here. If you

Answer 3

The proper way to dispose of an old US flag is to burned it off and make sure the flag does not touch the ground while doing this. Best this to burn it in a box or somewhere else that is does not touch the ground directly.

Answer 4

You can burn it yourself, or you can bring it to your local American Legion, etc and the veterans there will see to it that it is disposed of properly.

"My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code (see below) 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." We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service."

Answer 5

Hit up some local high schools, see if they have a JROTC unit. When I Was in High School I was Air Force JRTOC, every year we held a formal Flag Retirement Ceramony.
If that doesnt work out, your suppossed to cut the field (blue part) from the flag, then cut the strips apart and burn them together in a fire.

Answer 6

Your local VFW disposes of flags or they can tell you how to do it right.

Answer 7

Take it to an American Legion or VFW or flag store. They will take care of it for you.

Answer 8

You should respectfully, and privately burn the flag. It is the proper thing to do.

Answer 9

Contact your local VFW post. They can tell you and show you.

Best wishes and God bless.

Answer 10

Throw it away? I don't know. Put it on a tree...