Flag Retirements

Pack 2 respectfully retires worn United States flags for organizations and families. We follow the U.S. Flag Code’s guidance for dignified retirement and use age-appropriate ceremonies for Cub Scouts.

Need a flag retired? Email cubmaster@pack2.org with your name, organization, and pick-up/drop-off details. We accept U.S. flags that are faded, torn, soiled, or otherwise unfit for display.

U.S. Flag Code — Quick Guide (Title 4, U.S. Code, Chapter 1)

• Respect: The flag is a living symbol. Do not let it touch the ground. Keep it clean and in good repair.
• Display outdoors: Sunrise–sunset. At night, illuminate if displayed after dark. Do not fly in severe weather unless made for that purpose.
• Display indoors: When on a staff, place to the speaker’s right; when flat, place the union (blue field) uppermost and to the observer’s left.
• Order of precedence: U.S. flag in the position of honor; no flag may be placed above it when flown together.
• Parading & saluting: In field uniform (sometimes called “Class A”), salute. Others place the right hand over the heart; remove non-religious headwear.
• Pledge & Anthem: Face the flag; salute/hand over heart throughout the pledge and the National Anthem.
• Half-staff (mourning): Raise briskly to the peak, then lower to half-staff. At day’s end, raise to the peak again before lowering.
• Unfit for display: When a flag is worn or damaged, it should be retired in a dignified way, preferably by burning, with respect and solemnity.

The Flag Code provides widely respected guidelines for display and care. Communities may have local practices; always defer to posted facility protocols.

How Pack 2 Retires Flags

• Preparation: Inspect to confirm the flag is unfit for display. Carefully fold it in the traditional triangle when practical.
• Ceremony: Brief explanation of the flag’s meaning, a moment of silence or reflection, and respectful retirement in a controlled outdoor setting.
• Safety: Fire ring or burn barrel, water/extinguisher on hand, safe perimeter, and adult supervision. We avoid burning synthetic fittings and remove metal grommets beforehand.
• Closing: Reflection or thank-you, proper extinguishing, and area clean-up.

We use simple, age-appropriate language and ensure a calm, respectful tone for Cub Scouts.

Tips for Families & Units

• When to retire: Faded colors, tears, frays, or heavy soiling that can’t be cleaned.
• Alternative handling: If open-flame burning is restricted, contact your municipality or a local veterans’ organization for dignified retirement options.
• Teach respectfully: Let older Cubs help fold and read a short part of the ceremony; keep the focus on gratitude and respect.
• Uniform: Field uniform (sometimes called “Class A”) is recommended for ceremonies unless leaders specify otherwise.

Have multiple flags? We retire them one at a time or in small groups to maintain a reverent pace.

Request a Flag Retirement

Email cubmaster@pack2.org with your contact info, organization (if any), and the number/size of flags.
Arrange a drop-off at a pack meeting or a pick-up time with a leader.
Recognition (optional): We’re happy to acknowledge your donation at a pack event or in a thank-you note.

Pack 2 retires U.S. flags; state/service flags may be included when appropriate. Please bag flags to keep them clean and dry.

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