Disposing of a flag.

[satman72]

Hey guys. I'd just like to ask a question.


after reading Cranky's thread about flying a flag, it got me thinking.

Once a flag becomes unservicable, how would you dispose of it? I'm thinking the typical polyester or nylon one that you would buy at the department store. Because it isn't a nice silk or cotton flag, do you burn it? Do you just toss it in the garbage?(I'm not comfortable doing that).

I've got a shopping bag with 7 or 8 old used Canadian flags that I'm not quite sure how to comfortably dispose of.

 

[GITEX]

In the US any vfw will gladly take your flag. Not sure about Canada.

 

[cr8crshr]

Satman my Friend...as Gitex stated, not sure about Canadian protocol with respect to the Maple Leaf but down here in the States we dispose of them via a ceremony that most of our Veterans groups, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, etc. do conduct. In American Scouting I learned the proper way to fold our Flag and it has carried me through to this day when I retire our Stars and Strips. I am an avid Flag flyer so I do go through quite a few. Does Canada have such groups as the States? If so, then check with them. If still no answer then contact one of your fellow service men or women and find out what they have been instructed to do in the cases involving the Maple Leaf. Personally I would be honored to render proper protocol in retiring your Flag even with ours if no such ceremony were to be. One of our most loyal ally deserves the same IMHFO. But do check with your Veterans orgainizations as I am positive they know what to do with a retired Canadian Maple Leaf...Happy Thanksgiving...cr8crshr/Tuck

 

[Redhorse719]

No, don't through it on the garbage, that petro material will burn.

 

[satman72]

Well, the few things I've seen is to dispose of it respectfully.

That's where I'm confused.

Thanks for your input. I'll ask my local legion what they recommend.

 

[Runner 68]

Well, the few things I've seen is to dispose of it respectfully.

That's where I'm confused.

Thanks for your input. I'll ask my local legion what they recommend.

Try this http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/what-to-do-with-old-canadian-flags/article4380974/

As I have followed tradition for many years here in the US (I have burned my share of flags) I have come to realize in my later years that it really doesn't matter. The flag, our flags, are a symbol of freedom. Do what you want, do what you think is appropriate, she doesn't care one way or the other. She has flown for many years to give you that choice.

 

[HawkRod]

When I have had flags that needed to be disposed of I have made a fire in my outdoor fire pit and then I placed them in there. I am not sure if I looked silly saluting the fire pit by myself, but it seemed like the right thing to do...

 

[Stewsta]

Call your local Fire Dept. My department goes through quite a few of them and someone picks them up for us. Not sure who tho.

 

[patrick66]

Some local Boy Scout troops in the US have flag retiring ceremonies that are held on Veteran's Day. I attended a few when my boys were in Scouts. It's pretty impressive. They take all of the retired flags and burn them in a large bonfire, with the ceremony held prior to starting the fire. Very solemn and dignified. At least in the US, this is a good and proper way to retire/dispose of worn and used-up American flags.

 

[satman72]

Thanks guys!

 

[69a100]

When I have had flags that needed to be disposed of I have made a fire in my outdoor fire pit and then I placed them in there. I am not sure if I looked silly saluting the fire pit by myself, but it seemed like the right thing to do...

Indoors, outdoors doesn't matter, but this works also.

 

[slepr1]

The Department of National Defence has produced a manual titled The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces that explains just what should be done. The manual says: “A flag, other than a consecrated colour or royal banner, that is no longer serviceable may be destroyed privately by burning.”

 

[dieseldazzle]

VFW my flag had a huge tear in it from a small tornado and I didnt have time to pull it down. Brought it to the vfw.

 

[Pops1967GTX]

I have a buddy that would cut the best pieces out of the flag, making another...