Goodwill Tenneva partners with local organizations to properly retire U.S. flags.

Goodwill Tenneva partners with local organizations to properly retire U.S. flags.

Instructions

Drop off your worn flags at any Goodwill Tenneva retail store or donation center, and we’ll ensure it is properly retired.

What is Flag Retirement?

Flag Retirement is the term used to define the proper, dignified way of destroying United States flags that are no longer fit to serve the nation.

The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states:

“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.”

Recommended Precautions

When burning flags made of synthetic fibers, be aware that they may burn quickly and emit noxious gases into the air. Handle such flags with care.

It is important that the fire be sizable, preferably having burnt down to a bed of red hot coals to avoid bits of the flag being carried off by a roaring fire-yet be of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. Make sure the fire is safely extinguished before leaving the location.

Flag Burning FAQs

  • Sometimes your flag will only need to be cleaned to restore its original appearance. Regular cleaning of your flag can extend its life considerably. Flags can be machine-washed with a mild detergent in cold water. Flags should be hung to dry or laid flat. Do not fold the flag if it is damp.
  • If it is possible, mend a tattered flag at early signs of wear. The edge furthest from the staff, known as the “fly” end, is usually the first part of the flag to show wear. The fly end may start to unravel due to weather conditions.
  • It is really up to you to decide when your flag is ready to be retired. If the flag is unable to be repaired or is too tattered, then the flag should be retired.
  • There are many local organizations that will take your flag for proper retirement.

The preferred and most dignified way to destroy old, worn, frayed, and/or faded U.S. Flags is by burning them.
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No, throughout history, burning or cremation has long been considered a dignified way of paying respect to the deceased and to objects worthy of veneration. Burning has been applied to flag retirement to offer the most reverent method of final tribute.

  • Anyone. The Flag code does not authorize any particular organization with the duty of retiring unfit flags. Any one person or group can do it.
  • However, flags should be retired in private at a non-public location, and the ceremony should be a solemn, dignified event. There is no one official ceremony required or recommended.Your Content Goes Here

  • If you live in such a community, you will need to find an organization that provides flag retirement services. Contact your local chapter, post, or unit of such a community organization.
  • An alternate option is to separate the blue star field from the stripes and then to separate the stripes from each other. Once this is done, the material is no longer a flag, and the pieces may be respectfully interred as part of the ceremony.

  • When burning flags made of synthetic fibers, be aware that they may burn quickly and emit noxious gases into the air. Handle such flags with care.
  • It is important that the fire be sizable, preferably having burnt down to a bed of red hot coals to avoid bits of the flag being carried off by a roaring fire-yet be of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. Make sure the fire is safely extinguished before leaving the location.