Our Story
About American Flag Rescue™
We are a community of volunteers dedicated to ensuring that every worn and tattered American flag receives the dignified retirement it deserves.
How It Started
A Mission Born from Respect
American Flag Rescue™ was founded on a simple belief: every American flag flying over a home or business should fly with pride. When a flag becomes worn, faded, or tattered, it deserves to be replaced — not ignored.
We replace worn and faded flags across the country — free upon approval. To request a replacement, simply submit a photo of your flag along with your name and address. Every replacement is made possible by the generosity of donors who share our belief that the flag should always fly with dignity.
The old flags we collect are retired with honor in proper ceremonies following the U.S. Flag Code — because every flag that has flown deserves a dignified farewell, not a trip to the trash.
"Restoring pride to our skies, one flag at a time."
— American Flag Rescue™
Year-Round
Flag Collection
Free Upon Approval
For Everyone
U.S. Flag Code
Compliant Ceremonies
Community
Volunteer-Driven
See It in Action
This Is Why We Do It
A worn, tattered flag — exactly the kind American Flag Rescue™ exists to replace. No flag that has served this country should end up forgotten or thrown in the trash.
The Flag Behind Every Chapter of American History
Our flags are made by Annin Flagmakers — since 1847
- ★Draped over Abraham Lincoln's coffin — 1865
- ★Raised at Iwo Jima — 1945
- ★Planted on the Moon — 1969
The same flag. The same craftsmanship. Still made the same way it started — and it's the flag we put in your hands.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Honor
Every flag that has flown deserves to be treated with the same respect it symbolizes. We take that responsibility seriously.
Service
We serve our communities by making proper flag replacement and retirement accessible to everyone — free upon approval, no hassle, no excuses.
Dignity
A flag retirement is not disposal. It is a ceremony. All flags are destroyed in a dignified way at an Elks Lodge or a VFW location.
Community
We are neighbors helping neighbors. Our volunteers are everyday Americans who believe in doing the right thing.
The U.S. Flag Code
Retirement by Burning
The U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 8(k)) states that "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
Every retirement ceremony we conduct honors this tradition — conducted with solemnity, respect, and gratitude for what the flag represents.
Ready to Retire a Flag?
Submit a photo of your worn flag along with your name and address to request a free replacement.