I Have To Burn A Flag, need advice.

[twyacht]

I have flown the same American Flag in front of my house(s), since 9/11. I bring it in at night, as it is not illuminated, and for foul weather.

Well, she's getting worn, torn, and faded.


There are some tears and rips getting worse, and I need to replace her.

I have been to Boy Scout Ceremonies, Mt. Mourne, NC, Troop 19, with my son, and the troop rounded up old flags for a proper disposal. Once we had a Marine Corps Honor Guard conduct the ceremony. So I know the proper protocols.

I have not done one on my own, and have a question:

Should I take it to the VFW, or local Boy Scout Troop? Or since I am attached to my Flag, take care of it, with all protocols followed myself?


I would follow this order:

http://www.vfwmi.org/us_flag_disposal.htm

In August, 2000, at the VFW 101st National Convention in Milwaukee, VFW delegates passed a resolution establishing a U.S. Flag disposal program for Posts to conduct, privately or publicly.

The VFW feels individuals are responsible for maintaining the U.S. Flag in their possession.  However, as a public service some VFW Posts have special details assigned for gathering and disposing* of worn national emblems.  Some Posts may go further - they make gifts of new flags to groups or provide information on how to order a U.S. Flag from the VFW Emblem and Supply Department.

*SUGGESTED PROCEDURE FOR INDIVIDUALS TO USE IN PRIVATE OR PUBLIC FOR DISPOSING OF A TORN, SOILED, OR BADLY FADED U.S. FLAG.

1.  The Flag should be folded in its customary manner. (See current Program Chairman's booklet or VFW ritual.)

2.  It is important that the fire be sizeable and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the Flag.

3.  Place the Flag on the fire.

4.  The individual (s) can come to attention, salute the Flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.

5.  After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.

6.  Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

I would like to do it myself, but there is something about that "Old Flag", that makes me kinda "well-up" when I think about burning her.

She, of course, would be replaced with a New One, but I ask you guys here as I think the Flag means more to us than others.

Thank you
TW

[Hazcat]

TW,

I have NO doubt that you are quite capable of handling this on your own.  If you want, have friends and family attend and share the ceremony.

In short, take care of business yourself.

[Jackel]

i thought it was illegal to burn flags, or atleast thats what iv heard  

why not just keep it in the attic and pass it down to your kids/ grandkids

[Hazcat]

i thought it was illegal to burn flags, or atleast thats what iv heard  

why not just keep it in the attic and pass it down to your kids/ grandkids

Jackel,

The proper way to dispose of the US Flag is to burn it.  Just not like the asshat protesters do.

[Jackel]

k, never thought about it.

how would you burn a nylon flag though? soak it in gas?

[Sponsor]

[Pathfinder]

Do not use a BBQ grill or garbage pit to burn the flag. Use only wood as the fire source, not paper, cardboard or anything else.

If you need to use a BBQ, use a new grill surface so there is no food contamination.

Or take it to the local BSA troop, they usually do a great job, including a formal ceremony like the VFW. We always made sure it was a great, fitting, highly instructive ceremony and we did a ton of flags for folks in town. They may also use the ashes in other ceremonies, such as Eagle, OA or Woodbadge ceremonies.

[fightingquaker13]

Personally I would do the following. Call up either the SAR or the VFW. They do these kinds of things for the scouts, JROTC etc. Its a learning experience for the kids, a good public reminder and a public service. If you can schedule it, show up and thank the kids.
FQ13

[Timothy]

Tom,

The fact that you care enough to ask the question and your love for the symbolism and these United States of America suggests that your more than capable to dispose of "Old Glory" yourself.  You gave the Old Girl life, you can see to her burial with no reservation.

You have my blessing and the blessing of my families 42 years of Naval Service!

Thank you for your attention to ceremony!

[Hazcat]

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"

http://www.usa-flag-site.org/faq/disposal.shtml

[MikeBjerum]

Most of our ceremonies here are done the way they were when I was a Boy Scout many years ago -

We always used a grill - preferably a Weber (contains fire and avoids the wind blowing ash out), and we took the food grate off;

We used charcoal brickets, lit them just like preparing to grill, when they were white with ash we spread them evenly, we covered the brickets with firewood (two to three inch in diameter to make a good fire base), and when everything was burning well the folded flag was placed directly on the burning wood;

When one flag was completely consumed we would place the next folded flag on;

We would add more wood between flags if needed (we often did over 100 flags at a time);

After all flags were burned we let the fire burn down to nothing but ash (occasionally we would need to stir because of the amount of ash);

We would then put the ash in a clean new pail (usually metal because the ash was still hot) for transportation;

We would bury the ash in a freshly dug hole with at least two feet of dirt cover.