how to properly retire a flag

[Aloha_Shooter]

Cutting it up isn't mandatory. Solemnity and reverence is.

§8.k. 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

Some additional info:

Flag Disposal:

1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
2. It is important that the fire be fairly large 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.
Note: Please contact your local VFW Post if you'd like assistance or more information on proper flag disposal.

If you have a large amount of flags to be retired, retire one during the ceremony in honor of the others, and retire the rest after the ceremony, or have a local funeral home donate their services and have the flags cremated.
After the retirement, polish the leftover grommets, and give them to veterans, important people in the community, people who helped or attended, or to whomever you see fit. They are like having an American Flag on your keychain.
Be careful when burning the flags. If it is a windy day, have something to put over the container to keep ashes, or un-burnt pieces of the flag from flying out of the container.
If you are going to burn just one flag for the ceremony, chose a flag that is preferably made out of cotton. Be careful when burning nylon and polyester flags. I've had different results with each. Nylon flags melt and leave a sticky mess, and polyester flags aren't the best for burning either.
Some ceremonies call for the flag to be cut up before being retired. This is accecptable, yet not mandatory. The only law is in the US flag code, as follows: The Flag, when it is in such condition that is is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Make sure that the flag is burned entirely, so that it is unrecognizable as an American Flag.
When you are done, the ashes may be buried, or scattered as desired. The best way would be to bury them in a special location where you can leave a sign describing what is buried there.
Remember, this is a very solemn ceremony. It is like a funeral. We are laying US Flags to rest. A large group is not needed, yet veterans, and some other people in the community might find the need to attend to pay respect for the flag as it is retired. Large groups of people should usually not be invited, unless it's for a special purpose.

[00tec]

Just drove by the fire station just north of 104/Huron and their sign says they are accepting flags for retirement...

[wreave]

Cutting it is usually done as part of a ceremonial burning, especially where you have multiple people who each want a turn putting a piece on the fire. Not mandatory.

You can burn it in any fire, but traditionally you should be silent and respectful while it is burning.

The whole point of burning it is to not throw it away in a trash can and have it rotting in some garbage pile somewhere. So you burn it. If you want a ceremony, plenty of options, but if you want you can throw it in any campfire or home fireplace. Just ensure it's completely burned.

[jslo]

We had a brief ceremony Friday night at our local swim club. One of our members was a Navy chaplain and former Commander of the Florida American Legion so he presided over it. The winds had me a little concerned but as he called the ceremony to order and began with the "prayer" the wind came to a complete stop. It kicked back up but not until all the Flags had been placed in fire. My wife's father passed 1 month ago to the day, with military honors, and it seemed to be a sign she had been looking for of his promise on his death bed to come see her from time to time.

[Dave]

The stripes are to be separated from the each other and the union, the union burned first and then the stripes gently laid on the fire to be burned. Silence should be maintained until burning is complete. Also any Boy Scout, VFW, or American Legion will properly retire it for you. Personally I would donate it to the scouts and let them do it so the boys can learn how to do it properly.

Most scout troops will accept the flag, but they turn them into a VFW or American Legion for proper disposal. Sometimes the kids go and watch, but usually not. At least that is how the troops here in Aurora my wife's kids have been in do it.

[Trout Hunter]

Get the scouts involved with. I worked at a camp for a couple years in my teens and once a summer we would retire a flag. To this day a grommet I have from one is a prized possession. Great chance to pass on the respect due to one of our sacred symbols to youth. Just my two pennies.

[jhirsh5280]

Was watching Fox and Friends this morning and they interviewed a trash man who has been collecting and retiring flags people have thrown away for years. They showed a retirement ceremony which involved scouts, bagpipes and a small fire. The flag was presented to the scout master who then gave it to two individuals who unfolded it. They said the pledge of allegiance then the bag pipes played as the flag was folded in half then laid atop the fire to be consumed. Silence was observed and the scouts and military personnel saluted. Very interesting, never seen it done before.

[def90]

http://www.vfw.org/Community/Flag-Education/

[GilpinGuy]

My Gadsden is getting a bit tattered Same procedure, I assume?

[zteknik]

My Gadsden is getting a bit tattered Same procedure, I assume?

I think you have to wear a 3 point hat while doing it..