How do You Dispose of Old, Worn US Flags? Learn From a UK ROTC Ceremony Thursday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 13, 2017) — What is the proper way to dispose of an American flag? You can find out this week as University of Kentucky Air Force ROTC cadets conduct a flag retirement ceremony at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in front of UK's Main Building.

A special uniformed Honor Guard detail will execute the official disposal of two worn flags — one that flew outside the UK's Main Building and another that was given to the ROTC for retirement.

"A flag retirement ceremony is steeped in honor, decorum and tradition," said ROTC Cadet Dawson Godby, commander of the ceremony.

The ceremony will include cutting and burning the flag in a specific, methodical manner that will be explained by an announcer. Each flag will be disposed of separately.

Per the U.S. Code as it pertains to the flag: "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."