Lambertville, New Jersey. Paul Goldfinger photo
If an American flag becomes worn, torn or faded, it should be disposed of properly. You can take it to a VFW post, an American Legion post, or a government office. Sometimes the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts will have collections. You can also take the flag to Kempton Flag Company at 2800 Ridgewood Road on Rt. 34 in Wall Township. Their number is 732 449 0880. They also sell new flags and all the accessories there.
It is permitted to wash a flag gently using mild soap and water. Some dry cleaners will clean your flag for free, especially in July. You also are allowed to repair a flag.
The traditional way to destroy a flag is to burn it. Usually the blue field is cut out, leaving two pieces of cloth — i.e., it is no longer a flag. If that is not done, it should be folded, ideally into a traditional triangle. Then it can be burned to ashes which are then buried.
— Paul Goldfinger
MUSICAL TRIBUTE: Sousa’s Semper Fidelis (always loyal) by the US Marine Band.
The VFW post on Lake Ave. in Asbury just across the westerly bridge accepted an old flag of mine a few months ago.
Just a couple of notes: be aware that some local Fire Departments won’t allow burning of the flags they need to get rid of because they are made of synthetic material. Nylon is not biodegradable, so must be burned completely to ashes before burying.
www-flag-outlet.com