American Flag Disposal
 

I realize that this is probably a dumb question, but here goes. I've been displaying small American flags in my front yard since the pandemic began. Several of them are now dirty and tattered. I would like to replace them with new ones. Can anyone tell me the proper way to dispose of the old flags? I want to be respectful. Thanks!

Our American Legion accepts retired flags for disposal. Maybe check with the local post.

Most Boy Scout troops will also take them. Our local troop has a flag retirement ceremony a couple times a year.

FLAGS & POLES Address: 211 US-27, Lady Lake, FL 32159
Hours:
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon
Phone: (352) 751-1876

You can drop them off at the Rolling Acres driving range. They have a bucket that the American Legion picks up to dispose the flags properly.

I would think since those flags are too small to fold correctly you could burn them one by one , maybe on a BBQ fire. I have personally burned a few, with respect,hand over heart.

How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag.

"It's important to note that one of the reasons so much care is put into disposing of an American flag is not only because it's considered to be the most sacred symbol of the United States of America, but also because section 8j of the United States Flag Code states: "The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." After making sure your flag is in good condition and before displaying it proudly, you might like to take a peek at this comprehensive list of flag etiquette."

Read More: How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag | How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag

Steve

Thanks for the refresher

Bring them to an Elks Lodge. The Elks have a Ceremony every year on Or around Flag Day in which old Flags are Properly Honored, then destroyed.

As an Elk for about 50 years I can tell you they don’t dispose of old flags. They do have a ceremony every Flag Day that teaches the history of the flag which is very informative. Elks take their old flags to the American Legion as they do have a day on which they dispose of old flags.

Flag Disposal
 

Bring tattered and worn flags to the American Legion Post. They will dispose of them.

Is this a test? If not the answer is easy to find. Google Flag Etiquette

Why would this be a dumb question? It’s a great question.

Exactly... a good question.

Flag Disposal
 

You can bring to the VFW and they will dispose properly

Ace Hardware on Bichera. Just pass the counter they have a large box to put them in. They ar picked up by the American legion.

Flag disposal
 

Hi The proper way to dispose of a flag is to burn it. However, if you do not wish to do that, the American Legion post in Wildwood has a box outside their building on Rt. 44 (near the corner of Main Street, Rt.301) in which they collect flags and they will properly dispose of them for you.

Take them to the American Legion on 466 and Rolling Acers road.

American Legion on rolling acres
Please call first

There are no dumb questions.
 

I don't believe there are dumb questions. That said, here is a related "dumb" question.
Are you speaking of the small, sometimes plastic, little toy like flags, stapled to a stick and probably made in China, that you get out of the counter displays at the grocery or dollar store? If so, would these items be given the same treatment as an actual, flying from a flag pole in a military cemetery or by a government building?
I am ex-military and have great respect for our flag, but at what point does a representation of the flag (like a picture of one in the news paper) lose its status for special disposal methods. I truly don't know the answer, but can't imagine how a typical VFW post would handle the many thousands of little lawn ornament or lapel pin flags they might receive other than to burn them in a mass "grave". To me, that would be as disrespectful as tossing a flag in the trash IF these are considered "real" flags.
I ask here on the forum so that many people can be informed, and not just me.
Thank you.

It is a great question. I'm sure a lot of people would just throw it in the garbage, especially the little flags with the sticks. Also, some people don't know the proper way to fly a flag either and if it's left out at night a light needs to be on it. I work in a school, and we always say "No question is a foolish question." Not asking is foolish!

I've found those small flags along roadways and have always picked them up and burned them.
I did look up your question and found this;
Options for retiring flags made of synthetics limited - News - The Daily News - Jacksonville, NC.

And this I never knew;


"How do you dispose of small American flags?
Cut the flag in half, vertically — do not cut into the blue star field. Place the two halves together and cut in half, horizontally. You will have four pieces of flag, one being the blue star field and the other three red and white stripes. Put the flag in a container and dispose of it properly."Sep 8, 2014

I still think it's more proper to burn them though.

Steve

Ohiobuckeye
 

Read RETVETS comment, American Legion will do it for you. Thank you, you’re a great American!

proper flag disposal
 

I recently retired an old US flag - took it to the American Legion Post where they had a mailbox out front of the building for proper flag disposal - easy !

Take them to the American Legion on Rolling Acres Rd.

Thanks.
 

Thank you for this info. Simple, respectful. safe and practical. I, and I am sure others, will follow this practice.

Stay safe. Stay well. Peace!

take them to the vfw, they'll take care of them.

THE question to ask is “is it a genuine US flag”. Disneyworld in Orlando has hundreds of flags, which would raise the question of disposal. To avoid that problem, almost all their flags have some defect in the stripes or the stars, this renders them as not genuine, and so they can be thrown away
Apparently, the only genuine flag, is the one on Main Street, on the square.

The American Legion burns the flags once a year.

Thank you all for respecting our flag. Maybe there is hope.

American Legion should have a box to collect used flags which are then ceremonial destroyed.

American legion corner of Rolling Acres and 466 will take them. Office open 9 - 4 Monday through Friday.

Again there is a proper way to burn them, take them to the American Legion. No need to remove from stick, or cut them up.

There is no mailbox at the American Legion. You must give them to the front office staff.

It must depend on which Lodge you belong to. Lodge 1893 in CT does have their own Burning as part of the Ceremony as depicted by Ritual.

Where we live in MA we go to a veterans agent with them, so I would think that you could do the same in FL

Ace Hardware on 441 next to Village Carts has a disposal bucket inside.

Disposal of american flags is available at ace hardware in spanish spring.
 

ace hardware in spanish springs has a box for proper disposal.

There is, it is inside the front office.

Thank You for taking care or Our flag.

For proper disposal. Take to an American Legion.

Save them until the American Legion reopens. Location is HWY 466 & Rolling Acres Road.