Forever May You Wave—What Happens to Our Worn American Flags?

Metropolitan Library System locations proudly fly the American flag. The display of flags at public buildings was established in the Federal Flag Code approved in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  The Flag Code governs the proper display, and when no longer in pristine condition, the proper disposal of the American flag.

The American Legion collects worn flags, and conducts the patriotic ceremony necessary to retire the living symbol with respect. This is typically done on Flag Day, which is June 14.

Once a flag is becomes faded and worn, it is retired from display to be ceremoniously burned, and a new one is raised for display.

Out-of-service Metropolitan Library flags were taken to the American Legion in Mustang by Manager of Facilities, Curtiss Ray, where they were given the respectful retirement ceremony that they deserve. American Legion Color Guard Officers and Flag Detail performed the retirement ceremony to honor then properly destroy the unusable flags.