Ceremoniously Destroying the American Flag

Flag Folding Ceremnony

Laws of the United States state: "When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning".

If you or your organization has a flag to be ceremoniously destroyed by burning, you are invited to ship the flag to Lakewood Elks Lodge 1570. Once a year the Lakewood Elks Lodge performs a ceremony to destroy by burning any American Flags presented to the lodge for this purpose. There is no charge for this service and any American Flag or US Ensign presented will be ceremoniously destroyed.

The ceremony is held annually in August during the annual lodge picnic. All in attendance stand at attention while the speaker says some proper words about what the flag represents and honoring those that died while protecting our flag. Then he leads us in prayer and the flag is ceremoniously dropped into a large pit and burned.

To submit a flag for ceremonious destruction by burning mail your flag to:

Lakewood Elks Lodge 1570
	12507 Carson Street
		Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a non-profit charitable organization and donations are appreciated.

Exalted Ruler Herman Baldwin of Lakewood Elks Lodge 1570 has thanked the Burgee Shoppe for its support, and specifically wants to thank the 79 people and organizations that mailed in flags to be retired during the last year.

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