American Flag Disposal
If you have been displaying an American flag and are wondering, how do I know when a flag should no longer be flown? To figure out when an American Flag is considered “unserviceable,” we can look to the United States Flag Code, Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1, § 8, (k) which 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.”
Read more about the United States Flag Code here.
Although that doesn’t give us a black and white explanation of when a flag should be properly disposed of, we are given the ability to make our own decision on when it’s time to properly dispose of our American Flag. However, it’s generally acceptable to dispose of it when the flag is significantly faded, torn and tattered or starting to disintegrate.
How Do I Dispose of an American Flag?
The Code suggests that, “when a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning.” For citizens, this should be done discreetly so that the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration. However, if you are uncomfortable doing this, you can drop it off in an official flag disposal donation bin.
American Flag Disposal Locations
Matthew Miller, a Boy Scout with Troop 77 in Frisco, Texas, wondered why there wasn’t an easy way to dispose of the American Flag, so he made it his Eagle Scout project to get 5 Flag Disposal Bins created and build a Flag Retirement Facility. Watch a video of the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Flag Retirement Facility here.
Official American Flag Disposal Bin
Citizens of Frisco may take worn and tattered flags to the following four Frisco Fire Stations where the donation bins are located inside.
Fire Station #1, 8601 Gary Burns Dr, Frisco, TX 75034 (Central Frisco)
Fire Station #7, 330 W Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034 (West Frisco)
Fire Station #8, 14700 Rolater Rd, Frisco, TX 75035 (South/East Frisco)
Fire Station #9, 15151 Donnie Mayfield Way, Frisco, TX 75035 (North Frisco)
Also for the east side of Frisco the donation bin is located outside next to the flag pole at Stonebriar Funeral Home and Cremation Services
10375 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75033
American Flag Questions & Answers
If you have additional questions about the American Flag or flag etiquette, follow this link to the American Legion National United States Flag Questions & Answers page.
If you would like our Color Guard or Honor Guard to present The Colors during one of your events, please send a message to the Color/Honor Guard Officer. Find out more about our Color/Honor Guard and view pictures and articles about them.