Howdy All,

I have had the honor of putting 3' x 5' American Flags on all of my work trucks (they fly from a wooden staff I have had mounted to the rear of each truck). They have flown proudly all around the state of Colorado, but they have grown road weary. I want to 'retire' them properly before I 'raise' new ones. How would you suggest is the BEST way to do that, (does anyone else remember?)

Thx,

Tread.

Also, I'd be curious how other countries would handle it. Since we have a few wonderful members here on this site that are from other nations I'd like to know what YOUR countries official rules are regarding this important duty.

I should know this, since I was the color guard comander back in JROTC days in high school. I cant remember. SABOT or TIN might know. I thought you seperate each strip and burn it the proper way. If it where me, I would just fold them and put them away as a reminder.

According to Army Regulation 840-10, chapter 2: Unserviceable outdoor display flags should be destroyed privately, preferably by burning, shredding or by some other method that does not show irreverence or disrespect to the flag.
This regulation follows US Code recommendations. I would suggest that the flags be cut into smaller squares and then burned. Local Boy Scouts or VFW or American Legion Posts may also be available to assist in the disposition of unserviceable flags.

I concur with Rob.

In Sweden the flag would be respectfully burned.

I should know this too, there was just an article in a recent newspaper stating the proper way to do it and it was being demonstrated by the boy scouts....all I can remember is the ripping into strips part and then burning the strips

Many thanks ALL for your well thought out reponses. Put simply, I believe we are all in agreement... :-)

Rest assured, they will be retired properly.

Tread.

Maybe you should keep at least one of those in a safe place, Tread. You will be glad to show it to your children or grandchildren later, and explain why it was on your truck...

Jan

Sabot is correct with the destruction of the flags. As a last resort if you can’t burn the flag, render them as unrecognizable the flag. That is basically shred or disassemble the flag. I think it’s covered in Title 10 of the U.S. Code.

And now I have to edit. Got looking at the VFW homepage http://www.vfw.org/home.htm and flag FAQ http://www.vfw.org/yourtown/you_FlagQuestion.htm .

After burning, the ashes are buried.

Dave

Same here in Brazil, Tread