The 4th of July is right around the corner, and as
we look forward to barbecues and fireworks, we will no doubt be producing more
trash and recycling.
But when we think of items that we regularly throw away or
recycle, the American Flag doesn’t often come to mind. That’s because we hang
them proudly and the thought of throwing them in the garbage bin (or even the recycling
bin) would feel unpatriotic. But many of us know it is far worse to hang a
tattered or damaged flag then to dispose of it-properly.
But what if you find yourself and your flag in that
situation? What IS the proper and respectful way to dispose of an American
Flag?
First, let’s define what an official American flag is:
The U.S. Flag consists of a blue rectangle bearing 50 white
stars (representing each state) and 13
alternating red and white stripes (representing the 13 original colonies).
This is common knowledge to most of us, but we just wanted
to assure you that the following disposal methods are only required for
official American Flags. (Flag patterned bandanas and board shorts need not
apply, even in July).
If you are a subscriber of our monthly e-newsletter, and
read the July Issue, much of the
content in this post will sound familiar, but just in case you can’t check it
out, read on for some important (and surprising) facts about how to retire Old
Glory when it is faded, tattered or torn.
There are many ways to properly dispose of an American flag,
including:
Ceremonial Flag Burning
Before you gasp at the thought (as I did before I read on in
my research on this topic) According to Wikipedia, this method of burning is in
no way haphazard or unpatriotic, rather it requires a specific ceremony, where the
flag is folded (correctly,) laid on a bonfire and burned patriotically; while
being saluted, or having someone at the burning ceremony recite the Pledge of Allegiance
or sing the National Anthem.
This process is used mainly for individuals retiring their
personal flags, at home. But what if you don’t feel comfortable burning your
flag on your own? What if you don’t know how to properly fold a flag? (You can
find that out here by the way) Or more logically…what if you simply can’t build a fire on
your property? Another option is…
Flag Burial
To bury the flag, begin by finding a dignified wooden box - it should be
of good quality and construction, as this box will serve as the flag's vessel
as it is interred in the ground.
Fold the flag correctly and respectfully, place it in the box and then
bury it in the ground.
You
may even consider giving a your flag short "funeral". Give a speech
on the importance of the flag then stand at attention as the flag is lowered
into the ground. Observe a moment of silence as the flag is buried. You may even
choose to mark the burial location with a small, patriotic marker.
Flag Shredding
You may also shred your flag. Shredding an American flag may seem violent but the US Army's Heraldry institute assures that shredding is an acceptable disposal method, provided it is done with reverence.
Use
a sharp scissors to slowly and accurately separate the thirteen stripes, leaving
the blue star-spangled field intact.
After
the flag is cut into pieces, place it in a respectful receptacle and bury it following
the above procedures or ceremoniously burn the pieces one by one, starting with
the stripes and ending with the blue field.
Flag
Recycling
When the
code for American Flag disposal was written, almost all flags were made of
cloth or other natural fabrics. But today many flags are made from nylon,
polyester, or artificial materials.
When
burned, these modern materials produce toxic fumes that are harmful to the environment
and your health. Be sure to check the material of your flag before you make the
choice between burning or recycling.
Many
Non Profit and Private organizations have been formed to recycle flags. Contact
a group like American Flag Recycling or contact your local landfill or
recycling processor for more information.
Give your Flag to a Qualified Organization
Specific
United States government organizations offer services to conduct the ceremony
to properly dispose of flags for no charge, upon request.
The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy and Girl Scouts of
America and the US Military all provide this service. If you don't have access
to any of these organizations, contact your city hall or local government.
A New Local Option
Here in Prince William County, we now have a new, convenient and respectful option for disposing of (or recycling) our flags.
Here in Prince William County, we now have a new, convenient and respectful option for disposing of (or recycling) our flags.
On June 14th, Flag Day, the new American Flag
Collection Center officially opened at the Prince William County Landfill,
allowing residents to dispose of their retired American Flags the right way.
The center is a combined effort of the Boy Scouts of America
Occoquan and Bull Run Districts, the Prince William County Solid Waste Division
and Keep Prince William Beautiful.
Flags that are dropped off at the center will be picked up by
Boy Scout troops and given to organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and the American Legion, for disposal. These organizations are experienced
in flag disposal and flag retirement ceremonies.
Boy Scouts will be at the collection center every second and
fourth Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will instruct visitors who
want to drop off their flags in person on the proper way to fold their flags for
retirement (and disposal) as well as answer questions about the history and
care of American Flags.
Recyclable, nylon flags will be sent to groups that
specialize in recycling American flags where they will be ceremonially
decommissioned then recycled through a process that converts the flag back into
virgin grade nylon material to be used to make a new, recycled American flag!
The collection center will be open during normal landfill hours
and flags can be dropped off at no cost, but donations are being accepted to
fund this program.
If you are interested in funding this important program
by making a donation, visit the Keep Prince William Beautiful website, (www.kpwb.org)
and note that the donation is for the Flag Collection Center.
For more information, contact Boy Scout leader and overseer
of the center, David Byrne at pwcflagcollection@gmail.com
