Flag Retiring Ceremony Set for Feb. 20

When a US flag has served its time, a decision has to be made. Will it be properly folded and saved as a keepsake, or will it be retired with the formality it deserves?

The Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office , in conjunction with the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars, will be hosting a Flag Retirement Ceremony 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds arena. Unservicable flags can be dropped off during business hours at the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office in the Cheyenne County Courthouse, or at Brand New Items at 10th Avenue and Jackson Street.

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.”

The Gettysburg Flag Works, Inc., website says most people wait to retire their flag until it has become tattered or faded. The site also reminds people flags can be washed and repaired to help extend the flag's life. A mild detergent on gentle cycle with cold water is recommended for washing.

The US Flag Code defines respect of the flag including never to display with the union down except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property, never to let the flag to touch anything beneath it, never carried flat or horizontally, never used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery, never used for advertising purposes, and when it is “in such condition that is it no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Gettysburg Flag Works offers options when burning a retired flag is not a viable option. One of those options is to contact the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, American Legion, or Elks Lodge.

There is also the Stars for Our Troops program. The program accepts embroidered flags made in the USA. Volunteers cut stars from retired flags, dispose of the stripes properly and place each star in a plastic bag with a card that reads “I am part of our American flag that has flown over the U.SA. I can no longer fly. The sun and wind have cause me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten.”