Posted: 7/7/2008 12:00:16 PM EDT
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I have a flag that was draped over my grandfathers coffin when he passed on 38 years ago. The flag is withered and beaten, and very old. The flag belongs to my mother. It was her fathers, he was a U.S. Marine, Korean War Veteran, and passed away of leukemia before I came about to this Earth. I know that U.S Flag Code states: US Flag Code. TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 1 > Sec. 8(k). It states: "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" Basically, I have my aunt, whom is batshit crazy stating that it is incorrect, and that it should never be burned. She says a local VFW should dispose of it. Also, her neighbor, a veteran agrees, it should never be burned. I asked her what they do with it, she said they perform a ceremony where the Stars are cut out of the flag and then...she doesn't know what happens. My only assumption is that it is burned. She says her father would roll over in his grave if he knew it were burned in an honorable manner.  What say you, ARFCOM? My mother says to burn it, as it is the only true way to dispose of it. |
| IMO - a folded flag that is a treasured memory of a relative who served long ago does not need to be destroyed - unless the flag is used for display. In the latter case the Boy Scouts have a program where the flag is destroyed with dignity and the respect it deserves. The side benefit is that young men learn the value and symbolism of our flag during this important task. |
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Both my VFW and American Legion posts do fitting flag retirment ceremonies. We do not cut it up, but some posts do. That is in no way a requirement for the ceremony, but rather done because they use a smaller fire in a small container and want to be able to feed it fuel in a managable amount to keep the fire the right size. It also makes for a bit more substance if you are doing it in a public ceremony, so some posts do it regardless. We use a large drum, and generaly do 25-75 at a time, so we put them in whole. If you want to feel free to send it to me and I wil ensure it gets retired properly. edited to ask.... Was your grandfathers casket flag being flown? Those should generally be left folded. |
+1 SS |
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Yep, had one that was looking pretty bad. So one night while having a fire in the back yard, a buddy and me who are both Veterans folded the flag, and simply laid it on top of the fire. It was done very respectfully with no ill intent. If you are doing if for the same reasons, there is no reason to take it to the VFW. ETA: Forgot to add though that if this flag has made it past all of these generations, I would never burn it, I would store it somewhere safe to prevent it from further damage. |