Retiring American Flags

When an American flag becomes tattered or worn, it's time to retire it. But, instead of throwing it away like any ordinary object, it needs to be disposed of properly. Generally, this is done by burning, but burning one any ordinary way can be seen as disrespectful. Instead, if an American flag of yours has become worn or damaged, save it for a flag burning ceremony. Called a Patriotic Flag Burning Ceremony, this event is held outdoors with a campfire program. One flag is used for the ceremony, but all are burned at the event.When a Patriotic Flag Burning Ceremony is held, two color guards are needed - one for flying and one for retiring it. After it is flown, the leader leads the color guards and those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterwards, the flag is ordered to be retired, in which it's lowered and folded. It, however, is folded into a traditional triangle and then folded again into a rectangle to symbolize a coffin, before it goes into the fire. Once the American flag is folded into a rectangle, the color guard comes forward and places it on the fire, and then all salute. A memorial service is held for all being retired and, after the service, the leader and one color guard remain until flag is consumed.So the American flags being burned do not fly off the fire, the fire is made from a bed of coals. Those in attendance at the ceremony, meanwhile, stand for the ceremony and then the memorial burning. During the latter part, all of the flags being retired are burned, although only one flag is actually used during the ceremony portion.In most cases, a government organization, even your local American Legion, may hold such a flag burning ceremony. If you and your neighbors have American flags that need to be retired, contact such an organization to arrange for a ceremony in your area.

Raising the American Flag

One of the world's most iconic symbols is the American flag. In the United States of America, it is mostly seen in both commercial and residential dwellings. It is also a favorite theme for clothes, accessories, car decals and the like. All over the word, in public discourse, it is also used in reference to the US of A and its government, laws, and ideologies.

The flag of America consists of three main colors--that of red, white and blue. The alternating red and white colors go to the 13 horizontal stripes which represent the colonies of America that fought against the British monarchy and in turn became the Union's primary states. In the flag's canton is a blue rectangle which features 50 five-pointed stars that symbolize the 50 states of America. Because of its design, the American flag has earned the nickname of Stars and Stripes, and Star-Spangled Banner, among others.

One of this country's customs is to raise the flag year-round in most public places such as schools, parks, and government buildings, but it is also common to find flags proudly showcased in private residences in the US. There are also national holidays in which the American flag takes center stage, namely Veterans Day, Presidents' Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Memorial Day, in which small flags are placed on war memorials and on war veterans' burial grounds. During Memorial Day, the flag is also flown in half staff in memoriam of those who sacrificed their lives in behalf of this country.

American Flag Tattoo

American Flag Tattoo - Making the Right Choice

Getting an American flag tattoo anywhere in your body is a great act of patriotism. A lot of people acquire tattoos for many different reasons. Your American flag tattoo will be sure to attract attention and leave you with a feeling pride that you can only get from displaying your red, white, and blue.

There are however some special considerations before choosing an American flag...

First of all before choosing your American flag tattoo design, make sure you are selecting quality designs, as well as acquiring a professional to do the work of tattooing for you! It would really be best if you ask an American Tattooist to do your design as they are known to be excellent and have made a mark in the tattoo world.

Since American flag designs are very popular nowadays, a lot of native and non native Americans who stay in the US are acquiring them. The most common areas of their body which get tattooed are the lower back, foot, wrist, ankle, chest, armband, back of the neck, shoulder blades, upper arms, thighs/hips, sides of the neck and a lot more. But, you are free to choose where in your body you want to get tattooed.