The American flag is an enduring symbol and testament to the people it represents, which is why it’s essential to retire it respectfully. There are a variety of ways to properly retire a flag, and many wholesalers provide local flag-retiring services. Consider all of the following if your flag is tattered and ready to be replaced.

Ways to Retire a U.S. Flag

Burial

If you want to bury your flag on your property, find a high-quality wooden box and fold the flag into a triangle. Start lengthwise, never letting the American flag touch the ground. Fold it, and then fold the triangular shape over and over until a single triangle remains. You can bury it in an area where it won’t be dug up or receive heavy foot traffic.

Recycle & Donate

The American flag can be recycled, and groups like the American Flag Recycling organization will handle it for you. Consider donating your flag to a local wholesaler, American Legion, or veterans service. They may repair it, handle recycling, or perform a retiring ceremony.

Burn or Shred

Shredding or burning the flag may seem offensive and unacceptable, but they’re actually both approved ways to dispose of an old flag. Fold the flag correctly and then place it in a fire-burning receptacle. You can sing the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance as it is retired. The U.S. Army Heraldry Institute also accepts shredding the American flag. You can use sharp scissors to separate each stripe. Don’t cut the blue field. Once shredded, you can bury the flag or burn it. If burning, place each stripe into the fire first, followed by the blue rectangle.

If you’re looking for assistance retiring an American flag in the Vermilion, OH, area, the professionals at Harbortown Flag. can assist. They carry a large selection of replacements, as well as flag poles and accessories. Explore their other state flags, sports team flags, and military and POW/MIA flags on their website. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about their products and call (440) 967-3542 to speak with a representative.