Why Retire Your U.S. Flag?
The flag of the United States of America is the visual representation of our country.
The bright white signifies innocence and purity, the vibrant red hardiness and valor, and finally the deep blue vigilance, justice, and perseverance. When these colors start to fade what does that mean? While the significance of the meaning behind these colors and the ideals the flag represents will never fade, it means it is time to retire the flag respectfully and properly. When possible, we want to fly the newest and brightest flag possible to demonstrate the ideals and values that the flag represents. When we can no longer do this, it is time to retire the flag according to the U.S. Flag Code which states that “when [the flag] is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning”.
This process marks a respectful and honorable end to the flag’s life and service in flying high and dutifully representing our country.
How Will The Flags Be Retired?
The U.S. Flags that are dropped off in this collection box will be picked up and retired by Boy Scouts of America Troop 20 located in Oak Hill, VA.
Troop 20 is a diverse community made up of Scouts from many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds that make the Troop a wonderful and tight-knit Scouting community. Troop 20 holds multiple events each year in which flag retirement ceremonies take place to not only respectfully retire worn flags, but also to educate younger Scouts about the process and the importance of retiring flags in an honorable manner. Troop 20 typically does this either at a campout or designated flag retirement event where a large fire is built to respectfully burn the flags. The pledge of allegiance is said, as well as the location of where the flag flew.
The flag is then cut into strips and the strips are draped one by one over the fire to ensure that they are incinerated completely. Scouts who are not directly participating in the ceremony stand around the fire and hold a solemn and sober atmosphere in effort to give a final show of respect to the flag.
The collection box is located near the entrance of Terraset Elementary School. See below for details.
Noah Davidson
Troop 20 Eagle Scout CandidatePlease contact Noah Davidson at contact@retireflags.com for any questions you may have regarding the flag collection box or the retirement process of the flags.
Drop Box Location
Terraset Elementary SchoolThe box is located between Ridge Heights Rd and the Terraset Elementary School parking lot. Terraset is at 11411 Ridge Heights Rd in Reston.