I have forwarded this to the the Star Spangled Banner House in Baltimore
whereMary Pickersgill, the creator of the origninal Banner that flew
over Fort McHenry and inspired our National Anthem, lived and worked.
When i worked there many years ago we fielded all sorts of questions
just like this and had the references on hand to research it.

If and when I get an answer I will pass it along. The only question is,
on list or off?

Matthew White

Amy Phillips wrote:

> 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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