Many people wonder what to do with their tattered, worn out American Flags and are unsure of the proper way to retire and dispose of the American Flag.
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.”
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.
We have put together a list of appropriate procedures for retiring American Flags, as well as a list of sites local to Metuchen where you can bring your old American Flags for proper disposal.
Remember Respect - How to Retire the American Flag
For generations, Americans have practiced the tradition of retiring our nation's flag with reverence and respect. All locations listed below follow the same traditions and standards for retiring an American Flag.
Proper procedure for retiring an American Flag includes the following, according to US Flag Code:
In a safe and approved location, built a medium-size fire to burn the flag without leaving flag remnants
1. Lower the flag respectfully and fold according to standards (the triangle fold)
2. Lay the flag atop the fire
3. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance and observe the flag with reverence and ensure that the flag has been fully incinerated
4. Put out the fire completely
Locations for Proper Disposal of the American Flag
| Distance | Post | Contact |
|---|---|---|
~ 0 mi. |
Fugle-Hummer, NJ Post 6517 CALVIN PLMETUCHEN, NJ 08840 |
Phone:732-321-9594 |
~ 2 mi. |
Clara Barton, Inc., NJ Post 324156 BROWER AVEEDISON, NJ 08837 |
Phone:732-225-9824 |
~ 2 mi. |
William F. Grund, NJ Post 479MENLO PARK VETERANS HOME132 EVERGREEN RD EDISON, NJ 08818 |
Phone:732-494-7066 |
~ 2 mi. |
Father And Son, NJ Post 43543 OAKLAND AVEEDISON, NJ 08817 |
Phone:732-985-9768 |
Richard's Message on Retiring American Flags
Richard Menziuso would like to make it even easier to retire and replace American Flags, and to find ways to bring the community together to honor and respect our nation's flag. It is his aim when elected as a member of Boro Council, to bring more collection sites to our neighborhoods and to create Flag Retirement Ceremonies that give neighbors the chance to come together in the spirit of our country and its most revered symbol.