One of you ex-military patriots...need an answer on a flag question

[DILLIGAF]

I have heard multiple answers over the year and want to get some input here:

What is the best way to retire an old ragged worn out USA flag properly and respectfully?

Thanks

 

[mjc]

I take mine to a local vfw or like type group. We have 2 drop boxes in town for that.

 

[DILLIGAF]

I take mine to a local vfw or like type group. We have 2 drop boxes in town for that.

Ok. Never heard that before. Thats legit for sure

 

[Gramps]

same thing here in southern Utah.....drop box at the VFW

 

[Bobby V]

I have heard multiple answers over the year and want to get some input here:

What is the best way to retire an old ragged worn out USA flag properly and respectfully?

Thanks

Pretty sure @rivermobster had his Boy Scout Troop do a ceremony for retired flags.

 

[bilz]

Boys Scouts for sure. A local Troop has a drop box for this purpose.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Never knew about these drop boxes for either vfw or bsa

 

[4Waters]

You can drop them off at the VA as well

 

[DILLIGAF]

So nobody does the retirement themselves? I dont have a problem dropping off though

 

[oldman]

Pretty sure @rivermobster had his Boy Scout Troop do a ceremony for retired flags

VFW is my go to.
My city hall also has a drop box in the lobby

and today I just retired a flag

Old:

New:

American made Valley Forge Flags.

 

[DILLIGAF]

I did find this. Ya, I need to just drop it off so it gets handled respectfully

Flag Retirement

Guide to proper disposal of U.S. flags

www.ushistory.org

 

[jetboatperformance]

Speaking of Flags (and the need to dispose) Last year after buying a few "off shore made" US flags I stepped up and bought a SWTG USA made Allegiance Flag ($150 bucks) I was saddened to find after 6 months some of the stitching was coming loose so I matter of factly ask them how long one should expect and they responded : A flag will inevitably succumb to the elements, as it's still a piece of fabric at the end of the day. We are fully committed to providing the highest quality flags from the materials we use, to our sewing methods. So much of a flag’s longevity depends on a variety of factors such as weather, exposure to sunlight, owner care, etc. An average flag should last 3-4 months, and our flags are guaranteed for a full nine months.

 

[havasujeeper]

I take mine to Maniac Mike's restaurant at Cable Airport. Seems I'm always stuffing that box with mine or my neighbor's flags. I believe the box is a BSA or VFW box.

 

[rivermobster]

Pretty sure @rivermobster had his Boy Scout Troop do a ceremony for retired flags.

Every Boy Scout troop does a flag retirement ceremony once a year.

Ours did anyway.

Find one local to you.

 

[Pattle]

It's desert season - burn it yourself. Fold it properly, build a nice fire, lay it in the fire without touching ground, salute and recite pledge of allegiance. Done!

 

[rivermobster]

Approved methods...

Four options for retiring worn-out American flags

Burn them, recycle them, donate them — Scouts and Scouters have a number of options for retiring worn-out American flags.

blog.scoutingmagazine.org

 

[oldman]

Speaking of Flags (and the need to dispose) Last year after buying a few "off shore made" US flags I stepped up and bought a SWTG USA made Allegiance Flag ($150 bucks) I was saddened to find after 6 months some of the stitching was coming loose so I matter of factly ask them how long one should expect and they responded : A flag will inevitably succumb to the elements, as it's still a piece of fabric at the end of the day. We are fully committed to providing the highest quality flags from the materials we use, to our sewing methods. So much of a flag’s longevity depends on a variety of factors such as weather, exposure to sunlight, owner care, etc. An average flag should last 3-4 months, and our flags are guaranteed for a full nine months.

I've seen them advertised, I've had good luck with Valley Forge at about $90 shipped for a 3X5 they usually start to fade long before the stitching gives up, And I my retire them a little early and get over a year out of them.

 

[oldman]

BSA has changed the name to scouting America and its a boys and girls club now right?

 

[4Waters]

I'm pretty sure you can drop them at recruitment centers as well

 

[fat rat]

I’m an American Legion member, we do flag burning every other month? So yes burn with respect.Drop at any Legion.

 

[lavey jr]

It's desert season - burn it yourself. Fold it properly, build a nice fire, lay it in the fire without touching ground, salute and recite pledge of allegiance. Done!

This is what we do. Glamis season we would bring our old flags and fold them up, burn them, pledge of allegiance.

 

[Outdrive1]

VFW or Boy Scouts.

 

[HocusPocus]

I have done them myself and I make it a family/friends event. Usually a dinner then I bring out my little bbq deal that I only use for retiring Flags. Sometimes friends will bring their Flag as well. I then do a small ceremony with the Flag, held up my two people and then folded one last time. It is then place on the hot flames and have a moment of silence. After the Flag or Flags have been retired and the ashes have cooled I collect up the grommets and place them on a wire ring where they will be saved and then gather up some of the ashes and put them in a metal container to be added to the flames at the next retirement. It makes a great lesson for everyone especially for those unfamiliar with these ceremonies and allows them to participant.

 

[Socalx09]

My dad always tells the story on how he knew he couldn’t throw away the flag and didn’t know what to do with one so he had a few in his garage. His friend told him, “you burn it.” My dad responded, I’m Lebanese, I’m not going to be within a mile of a burning American flag.” He found out about the drop boxes and does that.

 

[DLC]

Elks club has a drop box !

Annin Flag Makers
Oldest Flag maker been making flags in the US since 1847

That’s a long time! Hope they Keep Going !

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

I always take mine to Ace Hardware they have a box that you put them in

 

[monkeyswrench]

You may also contact the local high school. If they have an ROTC detachment they may also be able to help you out.

 

[500bbc]

So nobody does the retirement themselves? I dont have a problem dropping off though

Fold them properly and burn them.

 

[Tooms22]

I emailed VFW in Havasu to see if they accept them. Haven't heard back yet.

 

[ChumpChange]

Every Boy Scout troop does a flag retirement ceremony once a year.

Ours did anyway.

Find one local to you.

You’re local. Where can I drop these off?

I was gonna take them to the fire station.

 

[rivermobster]

You’re local. Where can I drop these off?

I was gonna take them to the fire station.

I haven't been involved in Scouting for many years now. 13 years was enough!

 

[Blown CompCoupe]

VFW 9401 on London Bridge Road has a drop box outside the front door (in the parking lot)

 

[TPC]

VFW's, Elks Lodges, American Legon posts usually have flag retirement drop boxes in front.
Especially the ones along the Colorado River.

No hassle, just pull up and drop it in. The boxes all look different, no standard box.

LHC Elks Flag Retirement Drop Box:

 

[TPC]

I emailed VFW in Havasu to see if they accept them. Haven't heard back yet.

It's all about how many volunteers they can muster up to handle various duties at the posts.
It rises and falls.

If there is a manpower shortage, then you may not hear back.
Havasu Elks is pretty active for Patriotic stuff.

 

[coolchange]

How many know how to properly fold a flag? And what each fold represents?

 

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Thanks for asking how to retire the USA Flag the proper way rather than tossing it. Please retire it with the most respect you can give it.