When to retire a flag
- The fly end is frayed or torn (usually the first thing to go in Florida wind)
- The red has faded to pink or the blue field has gone gray
- It is stained or mildewed and will not come clean
- The header, grommets or stitching have failed
A frayed fly end on an otherwise good flag can be trimmed and re-hemmed. We do that at the counter; ask before you retire it.
What the Flag Code says
"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." In practice that means a retirement ceremony, most often run by the American Legion, the VFW or the Scouts, rather than a backyard fire. Nylon and heavy weight polyester flags should not be burned in the open; they are retired in other ways at organized ceremonies.
How to retire a flag through Head's Flags
- Fold it, or just bring it as it is. Any size, any material, any condition.
- Drop it at the counter, 3815 Henderson Blvd, Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00. No purchase needed.
- We pass collected flags to a local veterans' organization for a proper retirement ceremony.
Other drop-off points in Tampa Bay
Most American Legion and VFW posts, many fire stations and some hardware stores keep a retirement box. If we are not on your way, any of them will do. What matters is that the flag is not put in the trash.
Replacing it
Made-in-USA American flags in every size are on the rack. See the flag shop, or bring the old one in and leave with the new one.