How To: Flag Display and Retirement

For anyone who would like to observe Memorial Day by flying an American flag, it is appropriate to fly the flag at half-mast on a large flag pole until noon, according to the American Legion Web site. For those that do not have a flagpole, according to Joe Craig of American Legion Post 250 in Hinsdale, don’t worry; you can fly your flag without breaking protocol. 

While not a standing order, Memorial Day also presents the symbolic opportunity to retire old and used flags. If you have a flag that is worn or tattered and ready to be retired you are asked to contact your local American Legion, VFW, or, in some instances, the local Boy Scout troop. These organizations will retire flags according to proper protocol in a burn ceremony.

If you wish to retire a flag at home, the official U.S. Flag Code suggests, “When a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning.” The American Legion urges private citizens to do this safely and discreetly. Or, you can turn in your unserviceable flags to your American Legion anytime. The organization conducts unserviceable flag ceremonies annually on Flag Day, June 14.