American flags that are no longer serviceable will be retired at a ceremony Friday, June 5, at the VFW Post 308, Freedom Defenders Way (Tinkerfield Road). The full ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm.

The United States “Flag Code” as found in Title 4 of the United States Code states that “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” 

The Congressional Research Service report for Congress, The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions (April 2008), points out that the act is silent on procedures for burning a flag.

“It would seem that any procedure which is in good taste and shows no disrespect to the flag would be appropriate” the report continues. “The Flag Protection Act of 1989, struck down albeit on grounds unrelated to this specific point, prohibited inter alia “knowingly” burning of a flag of the United States, but excepted from prohibition “‘any conduct consisting of disposal of a flag when it has become worn or soiled.’”

VFW flag etiquette calls for flags to be folded in their customary manner, and a fire “fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.”

American flags that are worn and no longer usable may be dropped off at the Newtown VFW post prior to June 5.

If individuals or organizations would like to participate in the flag retirement, contact vfwpost308newtown@gmail.com.