What to do With An Old American Flag in New York

Many of us fly an American flag at our home or business. If you do then the information I am about t to share may be something you are familiar with or maybe it's not.

It is always important to know How to properly fly an American Flag the U.S. Department of Defense offers some Do's and Don'ts but do you know what to do when it is time to retire your flag? In other words, if your flag needs to be replaced what do you do with the old one?

How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag

Flags do get worn out and it is important to fly a flag in good condition. When it is time to replace a flag there is a very simple way to make sure your flag is disposed of properly. Many state and county offices offer a drop-off box but in your community, there could be another resource, your Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) often have a box for drop-off.

Rules about the American Flag

There weren't always official rules about how to fly or retire an American flag. According to information I found online at defense.gov rules for how to fly a flag weren't established until June of 1923.

At the National Flag Conference that year rules were established. That was the year they created the Flag Code. It wasn't until 1937 that the American Legion passed a resolution about Flag retirement ceremonies.

Why Does the Disposal of a Flag Need a Ceremony

Once the National Flag Conference met in 1923 the code stated that "the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." The American Legion adopted the Flag retirement ceremony which is the proper way to burn a flag. Most of these ceremonies are held on June 14th which is the official flag day.

The U.S. flag is considered such a sacred symbol that burning it in an undignified manner constitutes desecration. That's why the ceremonies are held in a specific manner. (via defense.gov)

A few veterans organizations also say that you can bury a folded flag or recycle them especially if they are made of a synthetic fiber that won't burn well.

Where Can You Take a Used American Flag in New York?

As I mentioned your local VFW should be able to help you especially if they are equipped with a Flag Dropbox like the one that was just installed at the New Paltz Elks Lodge #2568.

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The American Flag Through the Years

Flag Day: A Look at Our Nation's Flag Through the Years

A look at our nation's flag from the earliest days of the 'Sons of Liberty' flag to our modern-day 'Stars and Stripes',

These Spots in New York are Great to Visit on Any Day

Show Your Patriotism This Flag Day At Any of These 12 Upstate New York Places

This year, salute Flag Day (June 14) by visiting any or all of these "patriotic" places in Upstate New York. They include important U.S. forts, military museums, presidential landmarks, and more.

Of note are the graves of two famous patriotic American women, and one man, Sara Hinson, Francis Bellamy, and Kate Smith. Hinson is considered to be the "Mother of Flag Day," having instituted programs to instill a love of America in her students in the Buffalo, NY area. "Her" flag day became an official holiday when signed as so in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. And singer Kate Smith is one of the entertainment world's greatest legends. She raised over $600,000,000 single-handedly for War Bonds during World War II, and is known for her immortal introduction of Irving Berlin's musical ode to the United States, "God Bless America." Francis Bellamy is the author of the Pledge of Allegiance. The "pledge" is written across the bottom of his grave marker in Rome, NY. Both women are also buried in Upstate New York.

All of the places mentioned in this "Flag Day Gallery" are open to the public with directions to them, as well as a link to the subject's website (where needed).

So, we urge you to consider these places when you are thinking about hitting the road this Flag Day. There are many more places in Upstate New York, that will pull on our heart strings this holiday, so please feel free to give those not mentioned here a big shoutout over on our Facebook page.

We hope you honor America in your own special way this June 14.nnHappy Flag Day!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

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Here are the flags deemed the 10 best, in both the United States and Canada, from a survey by the North American Vexillological Association. They are listed from the 10th best to the number 1 best flag in their survey.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

Top 10 Worst Flags According To The North American Vexillological Association

Here are the flags deemed the 10 worst, in both the United States and Canada, from a survey by the North American Vexillological Association. They are listed from the 10th worst to the number 1 worst flag in their survey.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

Filed Under: american flag, hudson valley news, New Paltz

Categories: Around the Hudson Valley, Articles, Hudson Valley News