Everywhere I looked over the weekend, I saw wonderful signs of spring: newly budded flowers, freshly mowed yards and the smoke from grills rising in the air. Then I looked at my front porch and saw my tattered American Flag. It’s been up for almost a year and experienced a year’s worth of wear, weather and tear. So time to replace it.
Buying a new flag isn’t a problem, they are available for purchase everywhere from True Value to Amazon, but what to do with the old one?
Growing up, all I ever heard was that I could take it to my local Boy Scouts Troop or the local VA. I knew they had procedures to properly dispose of a retired flag.
However, I just couldn’t shake the thought that I, as a 35-year old American citizen had no clue how to properly dispose of arguably the most recognized and revered symbol of freedom in our country, and possibly, the world.
So, I did what any good, God-fearing American of my generation would do, I went to Google. Imagine my utter shock and disbelief when I read the proper way to retire Old Glory involves burning.
What? I mean, ...what?
I grew up seeing faded images of Vietnam protesters burning American flags and being taught how disrespectful and dishonorable those actions were considered at the time. A big “no-no”.
Turns out there is a little more involved than just burning. According to the National Flag Foundation, the proper way of disposing of the Star-Spangled Banner is to hold a flag burning ceremony.
First, use common sense and check the materials of the flag to make sure it is safe to burn. Then, fold Old Glory in the correct way (another Google search for me). Next, build a fire large enough to make sure the entire flag will be consumed. Note: the flag should never touch the ground during the process. As the flag burns, place your hand on your heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. Finally, bury the ashes.
Well, I like to use my learning and pass it on to my children. So after correctly folding my tattered flag that so proudly waved outside my home, I headed to the store to buy a replacement and a fire pit.
As I shopped and prepared to do the ceremony, I was inundated with current news of Russian aggression. With the communism of China threatening at the door of Taiwan. I wondered if their cultures revere any symbols of freedom or practice any ceremonies for simple rectangles of cloth. I doubt it.
I also thought how silly I felt about being so determined to do this the proper way and pass the knowledge on to my children. But then again, I don’t think this knowledge is something that should be lost. With everything going on in the world, now seems like a perfect time to practice a little patriotism to the nation for which it stands, one nation, under God...
