Honoring the FLAG of Our Nation

ALERT – CUTTING UP THE U.S. FLAG is Wrong!

It has recently come to our attention that some erroneous traditions are becoming more commonplace regarding U.S. Flags that are no longer usable. Many well-meaning individuals have cut up soiled or worn Flags, sometimes cutting out stars and mailing them to our troops. Although this is a thoughtful gesture and appears on the Internet in several places, it is in fact, an inappropriate act and should not be conducted by any VFW Post or Auxiliary.
 
In August, 2000, at the VFW 101st National Convention, delegates passed a resolution establishing a U.S. Flag disposal program by fire for Posts to conduct, privately or publicly as follows:
 
1)    The Flag should be folded in its customary manner. (See VFW Ritual Book)
 
2)    It is important that the fire be sizeable and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the Flag.
 
3)     Place the Flag on the fire.
 
4)     The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the Flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
 
5)    After the Flag is completely consumed, the fire should be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
 
Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
 
The resolution conforms to the intent and letter of the U.S. Code and the Federal Flag Code.
 
This is the only acceptable way of handling U.S. Flags that are no long fit to be flown. No other handling of a retired Flag is considered acceptable.
 
 
Steve Van Buskirk
Director of Programs
Phone (816) 968-1116
Fax (816) 968-1149
 
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS