Do you feel that flying an old or torn flag is disrespectful? What is the proper way to dispose of a flag?

Question

Do you feel that flying an old or torn flag is disrespectful? What is the proper way to dispose of a flag?

Answer 1

Yes it is disrespectful, and it violates U.S. Flag Code(yeah we aren't military but we should still follow it). If the Flag has a small tear then it is acceptable to repair(stitch it back up) it. If it is faded though nothing you can do except look up a local organization that will properly RETIRE(burn) it. A couple have been listed already so check them out.

Answer 2

I always feel a little embarrassed when someone in a pick-up truck drives by with a faded and torn flag snapping in the wind.  It's kind of symbolic to me.

The proper way of "retiring" a flag is to burn it, and there are lots of organizations that accept old flags to retire them.

Answer 3

Stick it in the bin or the recycling, it's just a coloured piece of cloth after all.

Answer 4

The proper way is a burning ceremony.  The American Legion has many posts that will do this and, if you look around at grocery stores, etc, you may find a drop box for proper disposal.

Answer 5

1)  Disrespectful, yes.  And improper and illegal.

2) The only legal way to dispose of a flag is to burn it.  Which is why Anti-flag-burning ammendments go nowhere. Probably letting the Boy Scouts or VFW do it in a respectful ceremony is preferred to just heaping it on the Christmas bonfire or backyard weenie roast fire.

Answer 6

Just throw it the garbage. Who cares if its disrespectful.  

Answer 7

take it to like loins club and once a year they have a legal burning and they collect all year

Answer 8

Sunny could not be any more wrong than he is! You can be fined for flying a tattered or torn flag.

The American Legion and VFW commision members that go around looking for people who violate flag codes.

Answer 9

Yes I do.  I believe the vets come around or the guys that belong to the Knights Of Columbus (some organization) you can either bring your old flag to or they will come around and collect it and give you a new one.

Answer 10

It's not disrespectful if your intent is patriotic and fly the flag honorably. But if Old Glory is past its prime in its colors, it's time for a proper disposal. Look for your nearest VFW or American Legion agencies. They have ceremonies in following flag etiquette of burning the flag honorably. And thanks from all of us countrymen, veterans and volunteer active duty personnel serving now and in the future.

Answer 11

It is in my estimation.  The proper way to dispose of a flag is by burning.  Your local Scout(BSA) troop might help you with this. They first of all cut the flag it's entire width along the base of the field of stars.  Then it is no longer a flag. They have regular flag retirement ceremonies in many places.  Hope this helps.

Answer 12

Well I know boyscouts burn them to dispose of them.