The Proper Way To Retire An American Flag

Boy Scout Troop 270 will hold its annual flag retirement ceremony on September 23 during the first campout of the year. Anyone who has a flag that needs to be retired can bring the flag to one of two locations.

There is a box in the lobby of The Newtown Bee where flags can be deposited. The second location is at the Dodgingtown firehouse located on Route 302. The best time to drop flags at the firehouse is when the troop meets on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 pm.

Any flag that is ripped, faded, or otherwise not in serviceable condition should be retired. Per Title 4, Section 8K of the U.S. flag code: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it no longer is a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

The troop averages 25 flags that they retire each year. The flags are retired with a solemn ceremony developed by the scouts. The original 13 colonies are first honored and then randomly selected states are honored. The field of stars is placed on the fire last to represent all of America.

Anyone needing more information, or interested in joining the Boy Scouts, can contact Scoutmaster Peter Lubinsky at 270-8382.