10 Jun How to Dispose of an American Flag Past It’s Prime
I was cleaning out our garage and found several American flags we had flown in our front yard over the years which showed too much wear to continue to fly. With Flag Day in the United States being on June 14, I thought I would share the proper way to dispose of the flags so as not to be disrespectful.
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First of all, DON’T throw them away in the trash! Too many trash collectors cringe when they see used American flags just tossed away. They usually take them out and dispose of them properly out of respect for the symbol of our country. But do your duty towards the flag – take responsibility to do this yourself.
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BURN them! This doesn’t mean take them out to your driveway and light a fire. Those passing by may misinterpret that you are desecrating it.
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Place in a fireproof receptacle, pour a fire accelerant around the flag and light a match. The
flag should burn as quickly as possible. (make sure you put the fire out completely before you leave the area).
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If you decide you don’t want to do this yourself or if you live where it is not practical, take the flag to your local Boy or Girl Scouts of America troop or your local Veterans of Foreign Wars outlet and they will dispose of it for you.