Katy American Legion Post to Retire Over 500 American Flags in Public Ceremony

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

November 14, 2020

By Natalie Cook Clark

The American Legion Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 in Katy, along with the Katy Fire Department, will retire over 500 flags today in a public ceremony.

Katy American Flags to Retire Tonight

At 5 p.m. tonight in the back lot of the Katy Elks Lodge (1050 Katy Fort Bend Road) over 500 American flags will be retired ceremoniously.

The event is hosted by the American Legion Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 and the Katy Fire Department. The annual Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is open to the public.

Members will be aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart and facing each other. The officers will be at their stations and a small fire will be burning for the appropriate disposal of the flags.

All flags are from the Katy community and have been inspected for the retirement prior to their disposal with honors.

Caring for Your Flag

Do not let it touch the ground
Do not wad up the flag, it should be folded in its customary manner
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty

Disposing of Your American Flag

Proper etiquette should be followed when displaying the American flag. The flag must not be frayed, torn or displaying a hole. When a flag has seen better days and becomes worn out, it should be retired. Displaying and disposing of an American flag comes with national responsibility. American flags can be disposed by:

Ceremonial Flag Burning

The most dignified and common way to dispose of American flags is during a ceremonial burning. The flag or flags are properly, neatly folded, placed on a bonfire, and the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem is performed while those in attendance salute.

Flag Burial

The flag or flags are respectfully, neatly folded, placed in a quality wooden box, and interred in the ground.

Flag Shredding

According to the U.S. Army's Heraldry Institute, flag shredding is an acceptable means of disposal as long as it is respectful. Scissors can be used to carefully cut the thirteen stripes into neat pieces, with the star-spangled blue field intact. The pieces are then placed into a box and respectfully buried.

Flag Recycling

Contact a local recycling processor for information about flag recycling. This alternative form of disposal is recommended for flags made of polyester or nylon, which release harmful chemicals into the air when burned.

Read here on how to properly dispose of your American flag. Do not attempt any of the above mentioned ways without reading first.

The Post 164 meets every fourth Wednesday of the month for a social mixer beginning at 6:30 p.m. and followed by a scheduled business meeting at 7:30 p.m. Members and new prospective members are welcome to meet at the 22125 Kingsland Blvd. location.