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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Glock &#039;em down" data-source="post: 4360699" data-attributes="member: 684">If it is an actual American flag, just in a subdued color, it should be retired with the same respect as a full color flag. I have a flag that is black and gray with one blue stripe, referencing to the Thin Blue Line.I have a retirement ceremony every year for my full color flag that I fly at my home 24/7. We usually do it during my grandson's birthday party, which we are doing this weekend. This will be the 4th year of us doing so.We build a big fire, everybody roasts wieners and marshmallows, then after everyone is finished eating, I take the flag down, my grandson helps me fold it properly as best we can.We then gather by the fire, I then hold the flag, share with everybody what the flag and America means to me, then I give all who want to, an opportunity to share what the flag and America means to them.After all who want to share, I say a prayer, then we give the pledge of allegiance and play taps as Old Glory is gingerly and softly placed into the fire.Two years ago, we did a double ceremony, retiring my US Navy flag that I flown for my niece, who is a Petty Officer 2nd class aboard the USS Arleigh Burke somewhere around Europe. She was there that night. She said she had never been more proud to be a sailor than she did that night. It's a very somber experience. Most people take them to their local VFW, but I prefer to do it myself. Mostly because my grandson usually has a host of his friends there (he's 14) and chances are, this will be the only time the get to witness such an event.Of course, I always tell these kids, "don't go home and tell your folks we burned the flag at Eli's birthday party. Explain to them what it was exactly. A retirement ceremony."</blockquote>

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