The American Flag

On June 14, 1889, New York City kindergarten teacher George Balch planned “Flag Day” ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and the following year the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day as well.

Many properties fly the American Pride, but are you aware of “flag etiquette”?   Do you know what to do with a flag once it shows wear and tear and is tattered?

The American flag should never be thrown in the trash.  If you don’t properly dispose of the American flag , you could be breaking federal law and be liable for fines and, in rare cases, imprisonment.  Burning a tattered American flag is the preferred method of disposal according to The Flag Code approved by Public Law 829 on December 22, 1942 by the 77th Congress, 2nd Session.

You can contact a local veterans or scouting organization to see if they accept flags for proper disposal. Many groups hold annual flag burning ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day.  Or mail your tattered flag to an organization, such as Flag Keepers, for proper disposal.

You can create your own flag burning disposal ceremony as long as you obey the law. The ceremony must be a respectful, private occasion, not a public display.  Contact the National Flag Foundation, local scout or veterans groups for recommended flag retirement and burning ceremonies if you wish to conduct your own.