Amy--I'm not sure when it was initiated, but when I was a schoolchild in
Illinois in the 1960s, we had to pass a "flag etiquette" exam in order to
pass out of 6th grade.  Burning the flag was the only approved method of
disposal [sidebar--I wonder how people who advocate a constitutional
amendment making flag-burning a criminal offense deal with this topic].  I
also remember reading about it in a book written in the 1940s.  So the
practice is at least 60 years old.

Deborah Harding
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
412-665-2608
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>

-----Original Message-----
From: Amy Phillips [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2001 2:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [WTC artifact to be burned]- side question


I'm curious.  I don't want to get drawn into offering an an answer to the
question of whether "to burn or not to burn" the flag in question [though
I'll be disappointed if the ultimate outcome isn't posted here for our
edification].  After reading through the various postings, with many solid
arguments on both sides, I can say definitely that I'm undecided in the
matter.   I'm wondering, though, if anyone on this list happens to know
when the tradition of "retiring" a flag by burning it was initiated and by
whom?  (I'm guessing it wasn't by anyone working in a museum, but when I
tried to do some online searches I got more information on how and why it is
done without yet being able to track when it was first done).  I also have
pondered if we in the USA are the only ones to have this type of ritual, or
do other countries have similar "policies" with regard to their national
flags?

Thanks to anyone who helps point me in the right direction or otherwise
offers feedback!


Have a relaxing weekend,


Amy


Amy J. Phillips
Coordinator, Data Management Systems


Museum of Science
Boston, MA

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