How do I with dignity destroy a wind torn and severely faded American Flag if burning is not an option?
I do not have the option of burning this now replaced flag and have for the past 2 weeks kept this unfit to fly Flag of the United States barely folded correctly on a shelf in a closet. What are the other "dignified" manners of destroying an American flag that do not require burning?
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M$8 Answers
It may be acceptable, however how can the thought of an american flag simply being dumped into a landfill be concidered dignified?
If you are unable to follow the procedures set forth under TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 1 > § 8. Respect for flag, there are better options then placing into the trash (no matter how worn an american flag is it should never be concidered trash, it remains a revered symbol regardless of its condition.
I would suggest giving the flag to any American Legion, VFW or government office as they will know where to send the flag for proper disposal.
You could also turn it over to a local Boy Scout Troop or organization where public ceremonies are held to discharge flags from service.
Even a caretaker of a local cemetary would be someone I would feel comfortable turning it over to as they should know how to properly deal with it, I would ask first though, to be sure.
PLEASE do not place it into your trash.
personal knowledge
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M$I see you are already familiar with United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, paragraph 8, part k (link below). It says "in a dignified way." I think each individual has a concept of what makes something dignified. If it feels dignified to you, it's acceptable for you.
But just to explore the "cannot burn concept" for a moment, have you considered using a BBQ or outdoor firepit? They're perfectly legitimate vehicles for the task.
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M$
I tried to vote up your question but it's still not working. Too bad...this is a valuable question.
Actually I would say to throw it away before giving it to a group that has a "ceremony" for retiring flags. The flag is not an idol, to invent ceremonies and rituals for the flag itself is to disrespect the very idea behind it in a significant way.
Thank you.. I had kind of forgotten about my old Flag until today although my Flag was replaced about 2 weeks ago...hallway closets have a way of just making you forget the things that are in there. I like that "If it feels dignified to you, it's acceptable for you". I will find a proper way to dispose of this Flag.
Well, just to be clear since "trash" seems to have really hit a nerve, the treatment of the flag is intended to be "respectful." Respectful meaning that the person handling it, cares about it. It's nice to say bring it to the Scouts or VFW, but those options could be 100s of miles away for some citizens (so not an option at all). My answer is meant to say that it is what is in your heart and the spirit in which you dispose of the flag that counts.
Thanks for the vote @nancyke11y you and @jdfwoods both voted this question up and I appreciate that and sincerely thank you both for this. I am hoping the "team tipping votes" bug is next in line to get squished.
THANK YOU! for Honoring OLD GLORY,,,,
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M$
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M$
Very true. The VFW post in the following link says it is not only respectful to bury the flag in this manner, but in some cases it can be preferable to the traditional burning:
http://www.vfw1859.com/index_files/Page523.htm
They point out that our flags aren't usually made of cotton or wool like they were in the past. They are now frequently made of materials like nylon that can give off toxic gasses when burned. Not only is burying the flag an acceptable substitute for burning it, it may also be more environmentally friendly.
We actually have a drop-box in town where you dan drop them off.
I would suggest a google of "flag drop off" or "flag retirement" in your local area.
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Or a commemorative piece and dedicate it to someone that is worthy.
I vote for art though. Big surprise, huh?
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M$
Quilting is a time-honoured way of recycling fabrics, and is often regarded as an art-form that the USA has developed some status in.
EDIT: Quilts are no longer commonly used as bedding, so section 8 would not apply, any more than it applies to draping a plinth or casket.
The tradition of quilting is autobiographical, so you might want to annotate pieces of your flag and incorporate them into a quilt together with other meaningful images and items.
Or you could use the whole flag as a 'support' or fabric base that other pieces of fabric quilt onto. In this method, the entire support can become covered, or parts of it may remain visible.
If you ask around in your family, you might find that a relative makes quilts as a hobby, and might be keen to incorporate your contribution (memories as well as fabric) in a family quilt.
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M$
I was reading a bit in the US Code TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 1 > § 8. Respect for flag descriptions of what is acceptable usage for an American Flag and using one, new or old, as "bedding, wearing apparel, or drapery" so while I can see that quilting with a worn US Flag might seem like the right thing to do I do not know if doing so falls within the guidelines of "respectable use".
"(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery."
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/4/usc_sec_04_00000008----000-.html
Very good points and there is a Boy Scout Leader that lives in my neighborhood.. and now that I am remembering that I learned to fold an American Flag *in* the Boy Scouts.. I should have already put 2 and 2 together.. and seen that the BSA leader would know where and how to dispose of this Flag.
Most VFW Posts and Boy Scout Troops hold flag retirement ceremonies one or more times each year.