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Whereas, Americanism has been and should continue to be one of the major programs of The American Legion; and Whereas, The observance of proper respect for the Flag of our country and the education of our citizenry in the proper courtesies to be paid the Flag is an essential element of such Americanism program; and Whereas, it is fitting and proper that Flags which have been used for the decoration of graves on Memorial Day be collected after such service, inspected, and worn and unserviceable Flags be condemned and properly destroyed; and Whereas, The approved method of disposing of unserviceable Flags has long been that they be destroyed by burning, but no ritual for such destruction or cememony in connection therewith has been adopted by The American Legion or include in its official manual of Ceremonies; therefore be it Resolved, By the American Legion in National Convention assembled in New York City, September 20-23, 1937, that the ritual submitted herewith be adopted for use by The American Legion and that it be made the official ceremony for the destruction of unserviceable American Glags and to be included as such in the Manual of Ceremonies, Revised, of The American Legion. The purpose of the American Legion in adopting this ceremony was to encourage proper respect for the Flag of the United States and to provide for disposal of unsservieable flags in a dignified manner..
