Blog #23: Does the US Flag have to be burned if it touches the ground?

-The stigma around the flag touching the ground is more an issue of being suitable for display rather than symbolic. As long as the instance in which the flag touches the ground neither soils nor damages the flag, it may continue to be flown. If it is soiled it may be machine washed rather than burned. If the flag is damaged and no longer suitable for display, then it should be retired properly. Check out our article on flag retirement here. Thank you for your question! If you have a question about flagpoles and flag etiquette email me at [email protected] and perhaps your question will be featured!