How To Retire A Flag

There is a lot of information and old wives’ tales on how to retire a flag. The flag code is written: to dispose of the American flag respectfully, preferably by burning, when the flag can no longer be flown. When people ask us how to retire the flag, they assume burning is the best. While it is still a way a flag can be retired, it is not the most common method anymore. 

Separate the Stars from the Stripes

This is the most common way we retire flags at Custom Flag Company. We respectfully separate the blue starfield from the stripes and dispose of them separately. We take in a high volume of flags to be retired, and we have found this is the best way for us to retire the American flag. 

Burn the Flag

As mentioned above, this is still a common way to dispose of a flag. However, most flags are made of synthetic material. Not cotton or wool, so when they are burned, they melt and leave a mess and can emit harmful chemicals into the environment. The only flag we recommend burning is a cotton flag. Polyester has a very similar feel to cotton, so if you are unsure which material it is, bring it by and we can let you know. 

Bury the Flag

Another common way flags have been retired in the past is by burying the flag. This method would require you to place the flag in the box, bury the flag, and pause for a moment of silence after burning the flag. 

Flags Other Than the American Flag

If it is a sentimental flag, and you would prefer to display it in a case, we have those available for purchase. Or if you have a worn-out state flag, military flag, or custom flag, you can just dispose of those in the trash. There is no special way to retire them. 

If you are in our area, please feel free to drop your flag off at our shop. We will properly dispose of your flag at no charge. You can also ship it to us to dispose of or find a local VFW, American Legion, or Boy Scouts group to drop your flag with.