Flags burned ceremoniously in Perham during disposal event

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – Perham area kids, firefighters and other event attendees participated in a ceremonial flag burning disposal event on Thursday afternoon hosted by American Legion Post 148 of Dent.

The annual burning ceremony retires old, tattered and worn flags by burning them, which is the official disposal method of the Department of Defense.

The event was held at St. Henry’s Catholic School in Perham and students from their school and St. Paul’s Lutheran School participated in the event by assisting members of the Legion with the ceremony.

Members of American Legion Post 148 of Dent perform a ceremonial flag disposal event in Perham on Sept. 21, 2023. (Joel Koetke / KDLM)

Veterans service organizations and the local scout troops all have the ability to conduct flag retirement burning ceremonies.

The DoD warns flag owners that some nylon flags can be toxic when they are burned and recommends those flag owners should perform a ceremonial burial instead.

Old flags can also be donated to nonprofit organizations like Stars For Our Troops, which cuts out the embroidered stars from the donated flags and sends them to veterans with a note stating that their service will never be forgotten.

Members of American Legion Post 148 of Dent perform a ceremonial flag disposal event in Perham on Sept. 21, 2023. (Joel Koetke / KDLM)