May 112026
The American flag is a proud and dynamic symbol of our country. I remember doing the Pledge of Allegiance before starting our school 
day….every morning. Being the first son of a soldier, I was raised to be proud of our flag and to defend it. Things like “never let it hit the ground” and always be reverent around her was instilled in me at a young age. Every Memorial Day I retire shredded or unserviceable flags as has been the tradition since the end of the Civil War. I do this to to honor our flag and to thank her for her service as a symbol of the greatest country on Earth. I do this for friends and neighbors and those that can’t find a Veterans organization that is doing a ceremony. I also set up outside a Missing Man table in remembrance of those that never came home. Below is a graphic showing how it is done.
day….every morning. Being the first son of a soldier, I was raised to be proud of our flag and to defend it. Things like “never let it hit the ground” and always be reverent around her was instilled in me at a young age. Every Memorial Day I retire shredded or unserviceable flags as has been the tradition since the end of the Civil War. I do this to to honor our flag and to thank her for her service as a symbol of the greatest country on Earth. I do this for friends and neighbors and those that can’t find a Veterans organization that is doing a ceremony. I also set up outside a Missing Man table in remembrance of those that never came home. Below is a graphic showing how it is done. Remember it is a solemn ceremony. Also remember that this isn’t a protest but a retirement of the flag that means so much to so many of us.
The U.S. Flag Code states that an unserviceable American flag should be destroyed in a dignified way—preferably by burning—such as through a respectful flag‑retirement ceremony or by taking it to a disposal box at organizations like the American Legion or VFW.1
Say their names and always remember them
NSDQ NSDF
The Chief USA Retired
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Publius says:- If you have an old and unreparable flag, take to the VFW, DAV, American legion or any other Veterans group or find a Vet that does as I do and know that your flag will be handled with reverence and respect. [↩]