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The Proper Standard
Retirement of the flag
While there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: Retirement of the Flag.
In keeping with the sanctity of our national standard, it is not to be trifled with at the end of its usefulness. Take one of the observations of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address; the greatest victories for freedom cannot be celebrated without solemn and reverent thought being given to their costs. So too, as the emblem of our freedom, the flag is not deserving of respect and admiration during its useful life, only to be cast aside and thoughtlessly discarded when that useful life is over. This is to say a flag, no matter how beaten, battered and useless, is never mere “trash.”
“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.” Flag Code, Section 8(k).
It you do not have the time or facilities to properly dispose of a flag of the United State of America (meaning its dignified destruction, not its mindless discard), please seek out those who do. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day. You may also contact Boy Scout Troops in your area to do the same. Granted, this sign of respect may take time you don’t have, but the freedom the flag of the United States of America memorializes is a tribute to those who gave their lives for you to fly your flag. While flying the flag alone may provoke pride, it is the more general responsibility to the flag as an anthem, for all that it stands, that symbolizes your respect for all that we have as citizens of the United States of America.
Question: I live in a city, and cannot burn anything (much less a flag) consistent with the laws of my municipality. What do I do?
Answer: The retirement of a flag of the United States of America is a solemn and reflective event. It’s easy to buy a flag, and we would encourage you to accept responsibility for having done so, and retire it by destruction, the way it should be retired. A fireplace, a barbeque, a picnic area or nearby campsite can provide the venue for this occasion, and a terribly worthwhile and reverent event for family and friends. If you cannot or choose not to dispose of the flag properly, out of respect for those who gave you the right to make that choice, seek out someone who will. A phone call or a chat with a neighbor asking assistance…that’s not too much to ask.
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About the Blogger
We all admire those who defend the American flag, and “the republic for which it stands.” Well, Ross Simmons and his son, Hunter, are dedicated to preserving that sentiment, through that emblem’s appropriate display in the Homeland. As life members of the National Eagle Scout Association, they regularly participate in Boy Scout-sanctioned flag retirement ceremonies, and have been researching flag etiquette and teaching it to the public for years. There are a slew of requirements about how to handle, display, and show respect for the flag (or more particularly, what should not be done with Old Glory) that you might not know about, and Ross and Hunter are eager to share them.Ross says: “It wasn’t long after 9/11 when Hunter and I would find ourselves routinely disappointed about people flying tattered flags, or leaving their flags out in the rain, etc. Granted, we knew it not prompted by disrespect, but we struggled to find a way to politely approach our neighbors, and ‘correct’ them by explaining that in showing their patriotism, they were actually doing the exact opposite by doing so inappropriately.” Ergo, “The Proper Standard.”
Ross grew up in El Centro, and was the sole raiser and lowerer of the flag at De Anza Elementary School for three years as a student there. His son, Hunter, has spent seven years teaching flag etiquette to youth. Presently, Ross is a corporate law attorney practicing in Rancho Bernardo, where he lives with his wife, Marcie. Hunter is attending college at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Previous Posts
The Proper Standard: Does your athletic team wear the flag? It shouldn’t
| Thu, 18 Feb 2010 7:50 PMWhile there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: Prohibited Flags on Athletic Uniforms. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag patches on non-athletic uniforms
| Mon, 21 Dec 2009 7:33 PMI passed a “motorcycle gang,” each member of which had a flag patch sewn on the shoulder of their leather jackets. Surely this can’t be OK?
The Proper Standard: No flags on clothing, please
| Mon, 14 Sep 2009 8:19 AMWhile there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: No Flags on Clothing, Please. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag use and decorum in parades
| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 1:34 PMGiven my United States citizenship, and my commitment and oath to this country, what tribute, if any, should I pay to the flag of foreign countries should they be displayed on this occasion?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Half-Staff
| Sat, 30 May 2009 1:22 PMI cannot fly my flag at half-staff. Is it appropriate for me to display the flag in this manner on days or on occasions where the flag should be at half-staff?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Typical outdoor use
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:39 PMThe school in my neighborhood did not hoist the flag today. What up?
The Proper Standard: The Flag and the First Amendment
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:31 PMI believe there should be a Constitutional Amendment against flag burning in protest. What is your view of that?
The Proper Standard: Retirement of the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:33 PMQuestion: I live in a city, and cannot burn anything (much less a flag) consistent with the laws of my municipality. What do I do?
The Proper Standard: Respect for the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:30 PMQuestion: It is disrespectful to the flag of the United States of America to dip it to any person or thing.
The Proper Standard: Authority and References
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:14 PMQuestion: May I display a United States Flag that doesn’t comply with the federal law, but is proper at the time of its manufacture?
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