Flag Etiquette FAQ
How do you properly 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.
The first way to dispose of an American Flag is to hold a Flag burning ceremony at your home or other private location. Before conducting a Flag burning ceremony, note the material of your Flag and the local fire ordinances. Some materials may emit toxins if openly burned.
Begin a Flag burning ceremony by folding the whole Flag in its customary manner. Next, start a fire large enough to completely burn the Flag and respectfully place the Flag into the fire. The Flag should not touch the ground in the process.
As the Flag begins to burn, salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and pause for a moment of silence. The Flag should be thoroughly burned so that nothing besides ashes are left. Finally, bury the ashes.
Donating retired American Flags to your local boy scouts troops, community disposal boxes, burying a flag, and flag recycling are other dignified ways to dispose of American Flags.
How do you fold an American Flag?
Step 1: A team of two people hold opposite ends of the Flag. Stretch it horizontally at waist height and fold it in half lengthwise with the stripes facing up and the blue field facing down. The Flag should now be half of its original width.
Step 2: Together with your partner, fold the Flag in half lengthwise again. The union (blue field with stars) should be showing on both sides of the fold. The Flag should be half the width it was at the end of Step 1.
Step 3: One person holds the Flag by the union while the other starts at the opposite end by making triangular folds. The person at the striped end should make all of the triangular folds while the person at the Union end keeps the Flag taut. See the picture below to see how the Flag should look during this step.
Step 4: Continue the diagonal or triangular folding towards the blue union until the end is reached, with only the blue showing on both sides and the form resembling that of a three-corner hat or triangle. It typically takes 13 folds before this step is finished—a tribute to the original 13 colonies. The triangular product at the end of this step is meant to resemble the hats worn during the Revolutionary War. Your Flag is now ready to be stored until you are ready to fly it again.
When do you fly an American Flag at half mast?
The United States flag flies at half-staff (or half-mast) when the nation or a state is in mourning. The president proclamation, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff. Most often, this is done to mark the death of a government official, military member, or first responder; in honor of Memorial Day or other national day of remembrance; or following a national tragedy.
