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Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 2:52 pm
by bigity
I was rooting around at the office for a box today and found to my irritation our old US and Texas flags in a box in the trash pile.
After making sure the coworker who puts the flags up and down was aware of the proper disposal procedures for a US flag (no idea about Texas), I realized I have no place to make a fire large enough to burn the flag. Do local VFW chapters handle this kind of thing?
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 3:14 pm
by bigity
Talked to local VFW and they will take it.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 4:08 pm
by Scott B.
The Scouts used to dispose of flags. These days, they may need an environmental impact study first.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 4:25 pm
by MeMelYup
Personally I would afford the Texas Flag the same priveledges as the U.S. Flag.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 4:25 pm
by 10Shooter
Individual Scout Troops around Austin metro still retire flags, usually they perform the ceremony when they have a lot of flags to retire.
We did this when we had collected about 60 flags of various sizes, even one of the huge ones that flew over a major chevy dealer.
We had comments about freedom, liberty and our flag as an American symbol by our adult leaders.
It can be a very contemplative and moving experience.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 4:48 pm
by txcharvel
If I recall my flag retiring etiquette (it's actually law but not enforced), the Boy Scouts and members of Air Force (active or retired) are the only people who can "legally" retire a flag.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 5:41 pm
by Texsquatch
Scott B. wrote:The Scouts used to dispose of flags. These days, they may need an environmental impact study first.
I know you're probably just trying to be cute, but Scouts proudly retire flags on a regular basis. I would like to say "all", but certainly most Units take advantage of this honor and responsibility to teach our young citizens proper flag etiquette.
We have an annual retirement ceremony and the Chamber of Commerce will collect flags and forward them to the Scouts for proper retirement. I've even had teachers send flags home with my son. I suggest that everyone should experience this at least once in their lives, as it can be an emotional experience at times.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 6:24 pm
by RoyGBiv
Flag code says only that the flag should be retired by burning.
Flag Code does not specify or limit who may do so.
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/4/1/8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(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.
http://www.americanflags.org/docs/etiqu ... 9362389761" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A flag retirement ceremony may also be a family activity. It provides an opportunity to teach and instruct. If retiring the flag as a family, the following steps might be considered:
1. Gather the family around. Raise the flag on the pole or staff or hold it aloft by hand.
2. Call the group to attention, salute and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
3. The leader might say something like, "This flag has served its nation well and long. It is now worn to a condition in which it should no longer be used to represent the nation. We pay honor to this flag for the service it has rendered."
4. Fold the flag according to procedures explained on this site. (Folding the Flag)
5. Give the flag to the group leader who will burn it until it is completely consumed.
http://blog.cvsflags.com/flag-etiquette ... rican-flag" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Veterans Department of Affairs suggests starting by folding the flag in a customary triangle manner. Then prepare a large enough fire space to sufficiently burn the flag completely. Next place the flag in the fire and while it burns, individuals at the ceremony should salute or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Finally, end the ceremony with a moment of silence and bury the ashes once the flag is completely consumed.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:30 pm
by bigity
You'd think I would have participated or at least heard of these ceremonies during my active duty time.
Thanks for all the information.
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:58 pm
by RogueUSMC
The code is just a guideline, not a law...it is up to you to honor the flag appropriately. This is as it should be in my opinion. You can't legislate honor any more than you can legislate common sense or morality and you just screw stuff up when you try...
Re: Local VFWs assist with flag destruction?
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 10:10 am
by RoyGBiv
RogueUSMC wrote:The code is just a guideline, not a law...it is up to you to honor the flag appropriately. This is as it should be in my opinion. You can't legislate honor any more than you can legislate common sense or morality and you just screw stuff up when you try...
Well said!
