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In recent years, the
media has shown the BURNING of American flags by protestors both
foreign and domestic. This type of DESTRUCTION of an American
flag is not acceptable and is also a violation of Federal, State and
sometimes local laws. Many Americans unfortunately now think
ANY burning of an American flag is wrong. This is not entirely
the case.
The act of burning an American flag is not inherently evil.
Indeed, the Boy Scouts of America have long held that an American
flag, `when worn beyond repair' should be destroyed `in a dignified
way by burning.' Boy Scout Handbook at 422 (9th ed.). Similarly,
Congress had prescribed [such disposal for flags no longer fit for
display]. Nor is the respectful disposition of an old flag the only
occasion on which burning a flag might be entirely proper. The old
soldier whose last wish is to be cremated with a prized American
flag fast against his breast would be deserving of respect and
admiration, rather than condemnation.
United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 - The Flag, Section 8K states
the following:"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."
What is the proper
way to dispose a flag?
In many American communities, one
or more organizations (such as the American Legion) render an
important community service by collecting and overseeing the proper
disposal of old, worn, tattered, and/or frayed U.S. Flags. Some
organizations make it an annual service project; others announce
when and where Flags will be accepted. Often, community newspapers,
radio, and TV stations help broadcast the availability of the
service. Churches, synagogues, chambers of commerce, civic
organizations, and businesses sometimes have served as "drop off"
locations for the collection of worn flags. Any American Legion or
local VFW can put you in contact with an approved disposal facility.
If many U.S. Flags are collected, it may be desirable to seek
assistance from a corporate, government or military facility which
maintains an incinerator or furnace that can readily burn the flags.
According to the United State Flag Code 36s 176(k): "The flag, when
it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of
display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by
burning." This burning occurs during a formal ceremony conducted by
an approved flag disposal organization.
The US Military Vets MC - C4
Fort Pierce Florida in conjunction with
American Legion Post 40 - Fort Pierce Florida,
hold an annual Flag Retirement Ceremony. Flags may be dropped
off anytime at:
The American Legion Post 40
810 South US Highway 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
US Military Vets and American Legion Post 40 will announce via
Newspaper, Radio, Television and local organizations, the date time
and location of the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony.
The ceremony is one of
great honor including The Pledge of Allegiance, The National Anthem,
US Military Vets MC Honor Guard, 21 Gun Salute, the playing of TAPS,
God Bless America and prayer.
Coverage by Eric Hasert of The Port St Lucie News
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