Retiring the flag with honor
To display the U.S. flag honorably, a flag must be replaced when it becomes worn. The U.S. Flag Code calls for all American flags to be "destroyed in a dignified way." The code recommends burning.
On Saturday, Greensboro-based Boy Scout Troop 101 and the Elks Lodge 602 took the flag's dignified destruction a step further, participating in a symbolic ceremony retiring about 100 worn flags and burying the ashes. Four special flags were retired in honor of veterans.
Assistant Scoutmaster Lee Long said Scouts learned the flag's ashes represent the ashes of all Americans and so must be treated with the highest respect.
- Staff writer Sonja Elmquist
Accompanying Photos
Photo Caption: Members of Boy Scout Troop 101, Rob Thomas (from left), Avery Long and Kent Bates retire three American flags by fire at the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Greensboro's Country Park on Saturday. Long places the flag that flew over the Veterans Memor...
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