How to Get Rid of a Damaged American Flag

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As a revered symbol of freedom and justice, the flag of the United States of America deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.This respect extends to any detection or destruction of the flag.The Flag Code of the United States of America (4 USC, Sec.8, Par.K, issued on 7 July 1976) reads:“The Flag, when in such a condition that it can no longer be considered an appropriate symbol to display, must be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.”Follow the steps in this guide to learn how to dispose of a torn or damaged flag with due respect.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Method 1:Burn the flag respectfully

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  1. Step 1 Prepara un fuoco...
    Prepare a fire. Build a medium-sized campfire in a safe location, away from other buildings or trees.If you can, use a well-maintained fire pit or designated area.Sweep up leaves, trash or other waste.Beyond posing a security risk, an area soiled with these things does not befit the dignity of the flag.
    • Wait until the flames become strong but stable.The fire should be large enough to incinerate the entire flag, but not so strong that it can carry pieces of the burned flag outside the hearth.
    • Avoid getting rid of the flag on particularly windy days.If the flag blows away while it is burning, it can cause serious fire hazards.
    • Check the fire regulations in your area.Some jurisdictions prohibit lighting fires without prior permission from the local government.Visit the Ministry of the Environment website for further information.
  2. Step 2 Cala e piega la bandiera.
    Flags that are tattered, torn, or hopelessly soiled should be respectfully retired.If the flag is raised, slowly respectfully lower it and remove it from the pole.Fold the flag into its traditional triangular case.If you're not sure how to fold it correctly, check out our guide or visit the Veterans of Foreign Wars website[1] for instructions.
    • Always handle the flag with care and respect.Don't leave it on the ground or put anything on it while carrying it to the fire.
  3. Step 3 Appoggia con attenzione la bandiera ripiegata in cima al fuoco.
    Place the flag in the center of the flames, being careful not to burn yourself.If the fire is too hot to place the flag directly on, wait until it subsides – don't throw the flag into the fire from afar.Be careful with the flag – make sure it burns safely and completely.Not burning the flag completely before throwing it away is considered undignified.[2]
    • Not throw the flag into the fire without first folding it.In addition to being disrespectful, an untied or inflated flag can easily blow away.
  4. Step 4 Prenditi un momento di rispetto verso la bandiera.
    As soon as it burns, observe it with reverence.You can also show your respect for the flag with words or actions – for example, you can salute the flag or observe a moment of silence.However, be sure to remain respectful and reverent as soon as the flag is thrown.Do not chat, make jokes, or distract your attention (for example on the phone) while the flag is burning.
    • Disposals of official government flags are accompanied by an elaborate ceremony in which the flag is formally presented, acknowledged, and destroyed. [3]
    • If you are at home, you could give a small speech before or after the flag burning.If you do, focus on the symbolism of the flag – what does it represent for you?Does getting rid of it make you feel sad?Why are you sad to throw it away?
  5. Step 5 Recita il Giuramento di Fedeltà.
    When the flag is destroyed, take a moment to honor it with the Pledge of Allegiance.Receiving the Oath of Allegiance is a noble and dutiful duty for your flag.The flag is more than a piece of cloth – it represents freedom and justice and commemorates the sacrifices made by brave men and women in support of these ideals.Show your attachment to the flag and the ideals it represents by binding yourself to it with the Pledge of Allegiance.
    • The words of the Pledge of Allegiance are:“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation united under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
  6. Step 6 Assicurati che il fuoco si spenga completamente.
    When there is nothing left of the flag, you should put out the fire.Alternatively, you could let it go out gradually and safely on its own (if you choose this option, don't leave the fire unattended while it goes out).Practice safety protocols when putting out a fire.If you've built a campfire, douse the charcoal completely with water.
    • Don't burn hot charcoal with other people around, especially if they are barefoot (for example, if you are at a public beach) – you could cause serious burns.
  7. Step 7 Considera opzioni cerimoniali più elaborate.
    The steps listed describe a simplified DIY version for disposing of an American flag.They are ideal if, for example, you want to throw away a flag that you have kept at home.However, if you have access to experienced flag bearers and are capable of managing formal ceremonies and/or giving orders to flag bearers, you may choose to conduct a formal retirement ceremony similar to that performed by the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts.
    • These formal ceremonies are also a great opportunity if you have a good number of unused flags, as you can use just one flag to represent all the ones you are discarding throughout the day.When disposing of flags en masse, it is often impractical to hold an individual retirement ceremony for each flag.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Method 2:Choose Alternative Disposal Methods

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  1. Step 1 Seppellire e/o ridurre in brandelli la bandiera.
    If, for any reason, you cannot burn the flag, you may choose to bury it.Contrary to popular belief, burning is not the only way a flag can be thrown away.The United States Flag Code states that burning is only the recommended method of disposal – as long as you dispose of the flag with respect and dignity an alternative method is acceptable.To bury the flag, start by finding a decent wooden box – it should be of good quality and workmanship, since this box will serve as the flag's container and will be buried in the ground.Fold the flag respectfully and place it in the box.Bury the flag underground.You can mark the flag's burial place with a small, respectful wooden or stone symbol.
    • Before burying the flag, you can also shred it to shreds.Ripping an American flag to shreds may seem at first glance to be a violent or undignified act.However, if burning the flag is not possible, the Heraldry of the United States Army recommends shredding it as an acceptable disposal method, as long as it is done with reverence.Use scissors to slowly and methodically separate the thirteen stripes, leaving the blue star field intact.After the flag has been completely cut into pieces, place it in a respectful container and bury it or ceremoniously burn the pieces one by one, starting with the stripes and ending with the blue field.
    • You might even consider holding a small “funeral” for the flag.Give a small, reverent speech about the importance of the flag as it is placed in its “coffin.”Stand carefully when the flag is placed underground.Observe a moment of silence as the flag is buried.
  2. Step 2 Considera il riciclo delle bandiere sintetiche.
    When the Flag Code was written, almost all flags were made of cloth or other natural fabrics.Today, however, many flags are made of nylon, polyester, or other man-made materials.These modern materials, when burned, can produce toxic fumes that are harmful to the environment (and to anyone near them).[4] Private and non-profit organizations have been formed to recycle vinyl flags – contact a group like American Flag Recycling[5] for more information.
    • Among organizations that provide criteria for proper disposal of American flags, opinions vary on whether it is respectful to recycle the flag.The Boy Scouts of America promotes the recycling of synthetic flags[6] , while the American Legion is against it.[7] Research arguments for both positions, and then make your own decision – does recycling the American flag seem disrespectful to you?
  3. Step 3 Dai la bandiera ad un'organizzazione qualificata.
    Some organizations in the United States offer flag disposal services with an appropriate ceremony at your request and without a fee.The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, and the United States Army provide this service.If you don't have access to any of these organizations, you can try contacting your municipality or local government.
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Advice

  • Do not wet or cover the flag with a fuel.If you must use a fuel, such as a liquid, to ensure a complete burn, apply it to the wood you use to light the fire.
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Warnings

  • Always burn the flag correctly as described in the instructions provided.
  • Always use caution when dealing with fire and flammable substances.
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