The flag.... if not cased is burnt. I know that sounds crazy but it is true. I am military and have done it before so it is not a story that I heard from my neighbor that heard it from his cousin Bob...or a stupid email.....
US federal code RL30243 or The Flag Code states:
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.37
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 Flag Protection Act of 1989,38 struck down albeit on grounds unrelated to this specific point,39 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.”
Now burning a flag is not like a protest rally sort of thing....it is more like a funeral actually. How it is done in the military is below.....
Ceremonial Burning
* Fire and Flag Preparation:
The burning of a Flag should take place at a campfire in a ceremony separate from the Ceremony of Final Tribute. The fire must be sizable (preferably having burnt down to a bed of red hot coals to avoid having bits of the Flag being carried off by a roaring fire), yet be of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning.
Before the ceremony begins, the color guard assigned to the Flag opens up its tri-corner fold and then refolds it in a coffin-shaped rectangle.
* When all is ready:
1. All assemble around the fire. The leader calls the group to attention.
2. The color guard comes forward and places the Flag on the fire.
3. All briskly salute.
4. After the salute, but while still at attention, the leader should conduct a respectful educational program as the Flag burns: e.g. singing of "God Bless America" or "National Anthem" offering an inspiring message of the Flag's meaning followed by the "Pledge of Allegiance"; performing a reading about the Flag; reciting the "American's Creed"; etc.
5. When the Flag is consumed, those assembled, with the exception of a leader and the color guard, should be dismissed. They should be led out in single file and in silence.
6. The leader and color guard should remain to ensure that the Flag is completely consumed, and to burn additional Flags, if any.
7. The fire should then be safely extinguished.
God bless America and thank you all for giving myself and my brothers in arms a reason to go in to harms way. With out you all we have no purpose.
