We Accept Retired Flags

The Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 107 respectfully accepts retired U.S. flags from individuals and companies for proper, dignified retirement in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. You may bring worn, torn, or unserviceable flags to Post 107 during normal hours or special collection events.

• Please fold flags neatly if possible; if not, we will handle them reverently upon receipt.
• Large business or organizational drop-offs are welcome—please reach out so we can assist.
• IMPORTANT: To coordinate a ceremony, large drop-off, or facility use, email: sal107adjutant@gmail.com please do not place flags on the floor or overfill the dropbox

Questions or scheduling a drop-off? sal107adjutant@gmail.com

Other Units May Use Our Facilities

American Legion Posts, Auxiliary Units, SAL Squadrons, and Legion Riders Chapters are welcome to use our facilities to conduct their own flag retirement ceremonies. To coordinate access, support, and scheduling, please contact the Sons Unit Commander via sal107adjutant@gmail.com.

• We can provide guidance, staging area, safety support, and ceremony templates.
• Please request a date/time in advance; safety briefing and site inspection are required.

Flag Retirement Ceremony Script

This script follows American Legion tradition for the dignified disposal of unserviceable flags. Roles may be combined based on staffing. Please maintain solemnity throughout.

ROLES: Commander • Chaplain • Sergeant-at-Arms • Color Guard • Narrator (optional)

[ASSEMBLY]
Sergeant-at-Arms: (Calls to order) “Please rise. Remove all headgear not part of a uniform. Colors, post.”
(Color Guard presents Colors; U.S. Flag remains at the station.)

Commander:
“Members, guests, and Legion Family, we gather to retire with honor the flags that have served our Nation.
These colors have flown proudly. They are now unserviceable and will be disposed of in a dignified manner,
as prescribed by the United States Flag Code.”

[PLEDGE]
Commander: “Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.”
(All) “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America...”

[INVOCATION]
Chaplain:
“Almighty God, we thank You for this great Nation and for the sacred symbol of our freedom. As we retire
these unserviceable flags, grant us reverence for the ideals they represent—liberty, justice, and unity.
Bless our veterans, our fallen, and all who serve. Amen.”

[INSPECTION OF FLAGS]
Sergeant-at-Arms:
“Commander, these flags have been inspected and found unserviceable.”
Commander:
“They have served well. Let them be retired with honor.”

[NARRATION (optional)]
Narrator or Commander (slow, respectful):
“Our Flag was born in the struggle for independence, defended by generations of Americans. Its stripes
recall the original colonies; its stars represent our united states. Though these flags are worn, the ideals
they stand for remain undiminished.”

[PREPARATION OF THE FIRE or DISPOSAL SITE]
Sergeant-at-Arms:
“Disposal site is prepared and in compliance with safety requirements.”
Commander:
“Proceed.”

[RETIREMENT]
(Color Guard or designated members carry the unserviceable flag.)
Commander (or Narrator, optional 13 Folds reflection):
“As we commit this flag to a dignified retirement, we remember the service and sacrifice it has witnessed.”

Sergeant-at-Arms:
“On my command.” (At fire pit or approved vessel) “Commit.”
(Flag is respectfully laid upon the flames OR cut into the field and stripes prior to retirement, as local custom directs.
If cutting: the union (blue field) is kept intact; stripes may be separated and committed individually.)

[QUIET REFLECTION]
(10–20 seconds of silence, or play Taps if appropriate.)

[CONCLUSION]
Chaplain:
“Lord, as the smoke rises, receive our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and the lives given to protect them.
May we be faithful stewards of this legacy. Amen.”

Commander:
“This ceremony is concluded. The spirit of our Flag lives on in our hearts. Thank you for your respect.
Sergeant-at-Arms, retire the Colors.”

Sergeant-at-Arms:
“Colors, retire.” (Colors are retired. Assembly is dismissed.)

Note: Where local ordinances restrict open flame, consider a burial ceremony for retired flags or coordinate with an authorized facility.

Safety, Materials & Coordination

• Materials: Non-accelerant kindling, metal fire vessel or fire pit, sand/water, fire tools, heat-resistant gloves, first-aid kit.
• Compliance: Follow local fire codes, burn restrictions, and on-site safety briefings. Have extinguishing media ready.
• Respect: No tossing or crumpling. Carry flags level and deliberate. Maintain silence or soft narration/music.
• Alternatives: If burning is not permitted, conduct a solemn flag burial ceremony.
• Aftercare: Ensure the fire is fully extinguished and site returned to a clean, safe condition.
• Ashes should be buried respectfully.

To coordinate a ceremony, large drop-off, or facility use, email: sal107adjutant@gmail.com