How to dispose of worn flagsUpdated a year ago

Every precaution should be taken to prevent the flag from becoming soiled. When a flag is in such a condition, through wear or damage, that is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed privately in a dignified manner.

The flag should NEVER 

1.  Be tilted (dipped) even momentarily to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, organization or institutional f lags may be tilted as the mark of honor. 

2 .  Be displayed with the union down except as a signal of distress . 

3.  Be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and floating free . 

4.  Be displayed on a float, motor car or boat except from a staff. 

5.  Be allowed to touch the ground or floor, or brush against objects. 

6.  Have objects placed on, over it, or be used as a covering for a ceiling . 

7.  Have any mark, insignia, letter, work, figure, picture or drawing of any nature placed upon or attached to it . 

8 .  Be used as a receptacle for carrying anything, or be used to cover a statue or monument . If used in connection with unveiling ceremonies, it should not serve as a covering of the object being unveiled.

9 .  Be used for advertising purposes or have advertising signs fastened to its staff or halyard. 

10 . Be embroidered on such articles as handkerchiefs or cushions, or be printed or otherwise impressed on boxes . 

11 .  Be used as a costume or athletic uniform or part of one . 

12 .  Be used as drapery of any sort whatsoever, never festooned, drawn back or up in folds, but always allowed to fall free . Bunting of blue, white and red-always arranged with the blue above, white in the middle, and red below-should be used for such purposes of decoration as covering a speaker's desk or draping the front of a platform.