Burning Flags In The Caldwells: Drop Box Available

“Nowhere else in history has there ever been a flag that stands for the right to burn itself,” wrote author Ken Kesey.

This is why the penalties of the United States Flag Code – the federal law that provides guidelines on how to store, display and dispose of the American flag – are not enforced.

But as a citizen, you still have a responsibility to dispose of the flag in a “dignified way… preferably by burning,” according to the code.

Here’s how you can do it in the Caldwells.

If burning the flag is too intimidating, you can take your flag to the red-white-and-blue drop box at the James Caldwell Post 185 American Legion, located at 303 Bloomfield Ave. in Caldwell. [See above photo]

But if you want to dispose of the flag properly yourself, the Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) gives the following advice:

1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
3. Place the flag on the fire.
4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

Photo courtesy of S.M. Kent

Send Caldwell area news tips to eric.kiefer@patch.com