What happens at a flag retirement ceremony?
The ceremony should be conducted out-of-doors, preferably in conjunction with a campfire program, and it should be very special. The ceremony involves two color guards, one for the flag currently in use and a special color guard for the flag to be retired from service. “This flag has served its nation well and long.
How long does a flag retirement ceremony last?
It should be possible to retire a flag every 60 to 75 seconds. Limit the ceremony to about 30 minutes or less.
Where can I take my US flag to retire?
Contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, Elks Lodge, American Legion post or similar group. These organizations are often familiar with flag retirement protocol and will take your flag and ensure that it is disposed of properly.
Can you burn a flag on flag Day?
This might come as a shock, but the number one way to dispose of an American flag is to burn it as stated in US Code 36, Title 10, Section 176. This is typically done with a full ceremony involving folding the flag beforehand and saluting it as it burns accompanied by the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance.
How do you retire a flag without burning it?
Burying a Flag Although the U.S. Code says that burning is the preferred method to dispose of a flag, people also do so flag via burial. If you choose this method, place a folded flag in a dignified wooden box. Pause for a moment of silence after burying the flag box in the ground.
What happens if a flag touches the ground?
Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning (which is an acceptable practice) is required, the flag may continue to be displayed.
When should an American flag be retired?
When to Dispose of an American Flag The U.S. Flag Code says, “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.” When an American flag is worn beyond repair, it should be retired in a respectful manner.
Who gets a 21 gun salute?
Today, the U.S. military fires a 21-gun salute in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the president, ex-presidents and president-elect of the United States.
Why burning the flag is disrespectful?
It may be a protest against nationalism or a deliberate and symbolic insult to the people of the country represented by the flag. It may also be a protest at the very laws prohibiting the act of desecrating a flag. Burning or defacing a flag is a crime in some countries.
How is the flag retired in the military?
Lead the entire group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag; and Order the flag retired by the color guard. Slowly and ceremoniously lower and then respectfully fold the flag in the customary triangle. Deliver the flag to the leader and then dismiss the group. This concludes the Ceremony of Final Tribute
What should be included in a flag retirement ceremony?
The ceremony should be conducted out-of-doors, preferably in conjunction with a campfire program, and it should be very special. The ceremony involves two color guards, one for the flag currently in use and a special color guard for the flag to be retired from service. Of course, this may be adapted if conditions necessitate.
Do you play Taps at a military funeral?
The DOD is obligated by law to play taps, fold the U.S. flag, and present the flag to the next of kin. Additional honors including honor guard pallbearers and a rifle volley may be available contingent on the resources accessible by the honor guard company and wishes of the family.
How is the flag folded at a military funeral?
The honor guard presents a final salute to the deceased veteran during the playing of taps. Flag Folding: The U.S. flag is carefully taken from the casket and silently folded by the honor guard company.