Considering the emphasis that is placed on the important and symbolic nature of the American flag it is surprising that so many adults are unfamiliar with the proper disposal protocol for American flags. The guidelines for correctly dealing with a flag in need of retirement are actually quite simple. There is an official United States Flag Code that expressly outlines the proper flag etiquette for almost any issue that might arise. Among the issues covered is the often asked question as to the correct way to dispose of an American flag that has been worn out to the point of being tattered by the elements.
If a flag is beyond repair and needs to be replaced there is in fact a proper disposal technique that should be followed. The common language as to how to best deal with this situation is that it is most appropriate for the flag to be destroyed in a "dignified manner." Exactly what constitutes a dignified manner leaves some people scratching there heads because this unspecific instruction does very little to enlighten inquirers that find this tidbit of information to be both obvious and generally uninformative.
While it may sounds almost sacrilegious the common dignified manner in which flags are most often disposed of is through burning. For most Americans the thought of burning an American flag conjures up radical images of violent anti-American protesters taking to the streets in masks as they riot and unceremoniously burn flags along the way. Despite these disturbing images when executed properly a respectable flag burning can feel almost like a dignified funeral or remembrance of all the values instilled in the idealistic set of American ideals.
If a flag is beyond repair and needs to be replaced there is in fact a proper disposal technique that should be followed. The common language as to how to best deal with this situation is that it is most appropriate for the flag to be destroyed in a "dignified manner." Exactly what constitutes a dignified manner leaves some people scratching there heads because this unspecific instruction does very little to enlighten inquirers that find this tidbit of information to be both obvious and generally uninformative.
While it may sounds almost sacrilegious the common dignified manner in which flags are most often disposed of is through burning. For most Americans the thought of burning an American flag conjures up radical images of violent anti-American protesters taking to the streets in masks as they riot and unceremoniously burn flags along the way. Despite these disturbing images when executed properly a respectable flag burning can feel almost like a dignified funeral or remembrance of all the values instilled in the idealistic set of American ideals.
