VFW Post 7824 • Vancouver, Washington
U.S. Flag Retirement
When a United States flag is faded, torn, frayed, or otherwise no longer fit for display, retire it with dignity. VFW Post 7824 accepts worn U.S. flags from the community and can help ensure they are handled respectfully.
Respect for the Colors
A Final Act of Respect
The United States Flag Code says a flag that is no longer a fitting emblem for display should be destroyed in a dignified way. The Code identifies burning as the preferred method, but it does not require one specific ceremony.
VFW National publishes a traditional retirement procedure. State and local fire, air-quality, and environmental rules still apply, and they may limit whether a fire-based method is lawful.
"Destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
4 U.S.C. § 8(k) — Read the official text
Before You Visit
Prepare a Flag for Drop-Off
These steps protect the flag and help the Post handle it respectfully.
Confirm It Is Unserviceable
A flag may be ready for retirement when fading, tearing, fraying, staining, or other damage means it is no longer suitable for respectful display. Minor damage may sometimes be repaired.
Keep It Clean and Dry
If practical, fold the flag in its customary manner and place it in a clean, dry bag or box for transport. Avoid placing it with ordinary household trash.
Call Before Bringing Special Items
Contact the Post before bringing poles, staffs, hardware, oversized flags, commercial quantities, or multiple bags or boxes so the appropriate drop-off arrangements can be confirmed.
Traditional VFW Guidance
What a Respectful Retirement Ceremony May Include
VFW National describes a traditional fire-based procedure for unserviceable flags and specifically directs participants to comply with local and state fire codes or ordinances. Where a fire-based method is not lawful or appropriate, a dignified alternative should be used.
- Fold the Flag The VFW procedure begins with folding the flag in its customary manner.
- Honor the Colors Participants may come to attention, salute, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, or pause in silent reflection.
- Retire the Flag Completely The retirement method should fully dispose of the flag while preserving dignity and complying with applicable law.
- Close Safely and Respectfully If an authorized fire is used, it must be completely extinguished and the remaining material handled respectfully.
VFW National’s published Flag Etiquette guidance describes its traditional disposal procedure and directs participants to comply with local and state fire codes or ordinances.
Common Questions
Flag Retirement FAQ
Information for households, schools, businesses, Scout units, and community organizations.
How do I know when a flag should be retired?
Retire a flag when its condition means it is no longer a fitting emblem for display. Significant fading, tearing, fraying, staining, or other damage are common signs. Minor damage may sometimes be repaired first.
Should I put a worn American flag in the trash?
A worn flag should receive dignified treatment rather than routine disposal. Bring it to Post 7824 or another qualified Veterans or civic organization that accepts unserviceable U.S. flags for respectful retirement.
Does federal law require one exact flag-retirement ceremony?
No. The Flag Code calls for a dignified method and identifies burning as preferred, but it does not prescribe one mandatory ceremony. Any method used must also comply with applicable state, local, fire, and environmental rules.
Can I burn a nylon or polyester flag at home?
Do not burn synthetic flags in an outdoor fire in Washington. WAC 173-425-050 prohibits plastics in outdoor fires, and additional local fire or air-quality restrictions may apply. Bring the flag to the Post for appropriate handling.
Can a school, Scout unit, or community group request guidance?
Yes. Contact Post 7824 with the organization name, approximate number and type of flags, preferred date, and the kind of guidance or participation requested. Availability and arrangements must be confirmed by the Post.
Authoritative References
Official Guidance and Safety Information
Use current official sources before planning any flag-retirement activity involving fire.
United States Flag Code
Read 4 U.S.C. § 8, including subsection (k), which addresses retirement of a flag that is no longer fit for display.
VFW Flag Etiquette
Review VFW National guidance for displaying, folding, handling, and respectfully retiring the United States flag.
Clark County Outdoor Burning
Check the Clark County Fire Marshal’s current outdoor-burning restrictions and fire-safety information before any outdoor fire.
Washington Outdoor-Burning Rule
Review WAC 173-425-050, including prohibited materials, burn-ban requirements, fire attendance, and other outdoor-burning rules.
Let Post 7824 Help Retire Your Flag
Call before visiting to confirm drop-off access, or contact the Post with questions about multiple flags, group participation, or a future flag-retirement ceremony.
