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According to the U.S. Flag Code, “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”. While this is the preferred way to dispose a flag, it can also be dangerous.
Where can I dispose of a US flag?
If you don’t want to have your own ceremony, but still want to ensure that your flag will be properly retired, you can bring it to a flag retirement location, such as a VFW or American Legion, or others in your community. You can also send your flag in to be recycled.
How do you dispose of an American flag without burning it?
Although the U.S. Code says that burning is the preferred method to dispose of a flag, people also do so flag via burial. If you choose this method, place a folded flag in a dignified wooden box. Pause for a moment of silence after burying the flag box in the ground.
How do you dispose of an American flag near me?
Flag disposal locations such as your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, American Legion, and Boy and Girl Scout organizations, even some Walmart and Home Depot locations will gladly take them to recycle or burn.
Can you throw the American flag in the garbage?
Here is the most crucial thing you need to know: you should not throw your flag in the garbage. According to the U.S. Flag Code, “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”.
Is it a crime to burn the flag?
18 U.S. Code § 700 – Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties. Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
Is a torn flag disrespectful?
It’s important to remember the cardinal rule: tattered American flags should not be flown under any circumstances. It is disrespectful to the country, but in particular, the United States military. When you notice your flag beginning to wear and tear, take it down immediately to make the proper repairs.
Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?
According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.
What happens if you burn an American flag?
Flag burning is the destruction of a symbol of national unity. Even if the flag that is destroyed is private property, the government has a legitimate interest in regulating its protection because of what the flag represents to the nation.
What does the VFW do with old flags?
Take to an American Legion Most American Legions, VFWs and Boy Scout Troops will accept old flags and retire them respectfully in their next flag disposal ceremony.
How do Boy Scouts dispose of flags?
The most common way for a Boy Scout to properly dispose of an unusable U.S. flag is by burning. But if the flag is made of nylon, burning is not necessarily a good idea. The idea of burning flags was endorsed in 1937, back when most flags were made of wool or cotton.
Can you burn a nylon flag?
American flags can be retired through a ceremonial burning. However, burning synthetic flags, such as nylon, creates hazardous fumes which are harmful to human health and the environment.
How do you fold a flag to burn?
Make a triangular fold and bring the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge of the flag. Turn the endpoint inward, parallel to the open edge, and form a second triangle. Continue the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded.
Can you wash an American flag?
For nylon, polyester, or other synthetic materials: Wash the flag in your washing machine on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent. You can also hand wash the flag in cold water if you’re worried about the colors bleeding. Rinse the fabric in cold water, and then hang or lay flat to dry.
Why is it disrespectful to burn the American flag?
It may be a protest against nationalism or a deliberate and symbolic insult to the people of the country represented by the flag. It may also be a protest at the very laws prohibiting the act of desecrating a flag. Burning or defacing a flag is a crime in some countries.
Is burning the US flag a felony?
Congress responded to the Johnson decision afterwards by passing a Flag Protection Act. In 1990, the Supreme Court reaffirmed Johnson by the same 5–4 majority in United States v. Eichman declaring that flag burning was constitutionally protected free speech.
Why do we burn the American flag?
Johnson, declared that federal and state laws that protect the flag are in violation of free-speech protections. The flag is so revered because it represents the land of the free, and that freedom includes the ability to use or abuse that flag in protest.
