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Retire A Flag

Flag Retirement

Flag Retirement

In conjunction with the American Legion Post 13, Valdosta, GA, and American Legion Post 336, Lakeland, GA, Music Funeral Services has established a flag retirement program, appropriately named "Retire A Flag ... Honor a Veteran".When flags are no longer worth of display, please bring them to either one of our funeral homes. Flags can also be deposited in the receptacle located at the American Legion Post 13, 1301 Williams St., Valdosta. This receptacle is used exclusively for flag retirement. We will also accept over-sized flags.With family approval, we will cremate them with an honorably discharged Veteran. This is a fitting tribute to Veterans and it's a patriotic way to "retire" aged and tattered flags.There is no charge for this service. 

Disposition of Flags

Disposition of Flags

What is the proper way to dispose of a worn American flag?According to the United States Code, Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 8k, "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."

Flag Etiquette 

The Flag

The Flag

  • Should never be in the dark
  • Should not be used for any decoration in general
  • Should never be used for any advertising purpose
  • Should not be used as part of a costume, except as part of the military, fireman or police uniforms
  • Should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, etc. placed on or attached to it
  • Should never touch the ground
  • Should be folded appropriately when stored
  • When a flag is no longer fit to serve, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner

Flying the American Flag

Flying the American Flag

  • Raise the flag briskly
  • Lower it ceremoniously
  • Do not fly in bad weather, unless it is an all-weather flag
  • The flag can only be flown at night if properly illuminated, otherwise, it should only be flown from sunrise to sunset
  • The flag should always be allowed to fall free
  • Never fly the flag upside down except to signal an emergency