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Retired Flags Burned with Respect on Flag Day...

     June 16, 2005: Fred Matthews holds a used and faded American Flag while Chester Tomczak prepares to lay a flag preserving the memory of American prisoners of war on the flames. American Legion Post 148 Adjutant Jim Vojtecky looks on. In a solemn annual ceremony held at the Alder Street Park, the veterans, respectfully and properly dispose of retired American flags, each of which is, according to the U.S. Flag Code, “in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display..." The Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony is held each year on Flag Day, June 14. (photo by Bob Walter)

                                                                                                  (photo by Bob Walter)

     Handled with reverence many retired American flags were ceremoniously burned Tuesday, June 14, Flag Day, at the site of the historic Van Eaton Cabin.

Dozens of Retired Flags were Burned...

                                                                                                (photo by Bob Walter)

     Burning your own retired flag may be misunderstood. The American Legion’s Flag Etiquette Book says, “For individual citizens this should be done discreetly so that the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration.”

      by Bev Keaveny
     4th District Service Officer
     American Legion
     June 16, 2005

     June 14th, is the day traditionally set aside to honor and celebrate the Stars and Stripes, the symbol of our country, the Flag of the United States of America! It was on this day in 1777 when the Continental Congress first adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. And while there are a few more stars on that flag now than on that day back in 1777, one thing that hasn't changed is the respect and reverence that it commands to all of us, as Americans. 
     The U.S. Flag Code states, “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.” (Title 36, U.S.C. Chapter 10, as amended by P.L. 344, 94th Congress, Approved July 7, 1976)
     The American Legion’s Flag Etiquette Book says, “For individual citizens this should be done discreetly so that the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration.” Many American Legion Posts conduct Disposal of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day, each year. This ceremony creates a particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the retirement of unserviceable flags.

Below is the ceremony suggested by The American Legion:

Commander: Comrade Sgt-at-Arms, advance with your detail and present the Flag(s) for inspection and disposal.

Depending on the number of Officers present, The Sgt-at-Arms and Detail will present the Flag(s) to the 2nd Vice Commander, The First Vice Commander, and the Commander in that order. Each Vice Commander will have the Sgt-at-Arms present the Flag(s) to the next officer until it reaches the Commander, using the same steps.

The Sgt-at-Arms, with the flag detail marches abreast to the first reviewing officer.

Sgt-at-Arms: Takes one step forward and Salutes: Comrade Vice Commander, we present these unserviceable Flags for your inspection.

Second Vice Commander: Is the present condition of these Flags the result of their usual service as the Emblem of our country?

Sgt-at-Arms: These Flags have become faded and worn by flying here in our town and at our homes.

Second Vice Commander: Present these flags to the First Vice Commander for his inspection.

The Sgt-at-Arms about faces and marches the detail to the position of the First Vice Commander.

Sgt-at-Arms: Comrade Vice Commander, we present these flags which have been inspected by the Second Vice Commander, for your further inspection.

First Vice Commander: Have any of these Flags served any other purpose?

Sgt-at-Arms: Some of these Flags have been displayed in various public places.

First Vice Commander: Present them to the Commander for final inspection and dignified disposal.

The Sgt-at-Arms marches the detail to the Commanders Position.

Sgt-at-Arms: Comrade Commander, we have the honor to present for final inspection and proper disposal these Flags of our Country.

Commander: Have these Flags been properly inspected by the First and Second Vice Commanders?

Sgt-at-Arms: They have.

Commander: Comrade Second Vice Commander, what does your inspection show, and what do you recommend?

Second Vice Commander: Comrade Commander, since these Flags have become unserviceable in a worthy cause, I recommend they be honorably retired from further service.

Commander: Comrade First Vice Commander, what does your inspection show, and what do you recommend?

First Vice Commander: Comrade Commander, since these flags have become faded and worn, in a tribute of service and love, I also recommend they be fittingly destroyed.

Commander: Comrades, we have presented these(this) flag(s) of our Country which have been inspected and condemned as unserviceable. They have reached their present state in a proper service of tribute, memory and love. A flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great; but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that we and our comrades have worked for and lived for, and died for - a free nation of free men and women, true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practice of Justice, Freedom and Democracy. Let these faded Flags of our Country be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites and their places be taken by bright new Flags of the same size and kind.

Sgt-at-Arms, assemble the Color Guard, escort the detail bearing the flags and destroy these flags by burning.

All stand at attention.

When the Sgt-at-Arms and detail is positioned at the Fire Pot…

Commander: The Chaplain will offer prayer.