Retiring Old Glory
Several months have passed since Sept. 11, and the flag has carried many people through rough weather. Though the weather has not been kind to the many flags that have flown high since that horrific day.
When Old Glory becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag. But what's to be done with a tired, weathered flag? It should be "retired" with all the dignity and respect befitting a nation's flag.
According to U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Sec. 8. (Respect for flag) paragraph (k), "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."
Many patriotic organizations gladly accept flags for disposal in a dignified ceremony. The Boy Scouts of America is one organization that accepts flags to be retired and properly disposed.
Tradition holds that it's not enough to just burn the flag. Rather, a ceremony must be conducted officially retiring the flag and rendering it obsolete. A flag ceases to be a flag when it is cut into pieces prior to burning. Scouts and other organizations conduct a dignified ceremony cutting the flag into four pieces then incinerate the retired flag.
To have a flag honorable disposed, contact your local Boy Scouts of America office for a point of contact or visit their council locator Web site at http://www.scouting.org/councils/index.html.
People interested in learning more about proper show of respect for the flag may view an on-line version of U.S. codes at http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/. Copies of the codes may also be ordered through the U.S. Government Printing Office at (202) 512-1800, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders may also be sent by mail to:
Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
or through the GPO Bookstore online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.
(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
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