Over 1,000 Katy American Flags to be Retired in a Public Ceremony

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

November 13, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

The American Legion Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 in Katy will retire over 1000 flags today in a public ceremony.

Flag Retirement Ceremony at Katy's Elks Lodge Today

The American Legion Post 164 regularly conducts patriotic flag retirement ceremonies at the Elks Lodge in Katy, Texas. Come and join us this Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the Katy Elks Lodge (1050 Katy Fort Bend Road.)

Katy Families can Bring Flags to Ceremony

American flags have been collected and stored in large bags ahead of the ceremony. Katy families can still bring flags to the ceremony for inspection and retirement.

According to Ernie Cormier, American Legion Post 164 past commander they currently have 1100 to 1400 flags ready to be retired. It will take a little over two hours to retire the flags.

“Our ceremony at this time of year is just before sunset,” says Past Commander Cormier. “The public is welcome to come and participate. Members of the Legion are always standing by to help.”

There are several approved ways to retire American Flags. The American Legion retires flags through ceremonial burning.

“A small fire will be burning for the appropriate disposal of the flags,” says Cormier.

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

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.

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

The Post 164 meets every third Tuesday 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.

For more information, visit their website.