Flag Retirement Program

Retire Your American Flag in The Most Respectful, Dignified, and Safest Way Possible

At Holder Wells & Coastal Funeral Home , we are honored to offer a meaningful and safe way to pay tribute to our veterans and our flag for Moss Point and Jackson County, MS. When your American flag has served its purpose and can no longer be displayed respectfully, it deserves a retirement that reflects its symbolic significance.

According to the United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8:

"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

Flags that should be retired may be:

• Torn or irreparably tattered
• Sun-bleached or heavily faded

However, many modern flags are made from synthetic materials that:

• Release harmful fumes that can impact health and the environment
• Burn at an accelerated rate
• Are difficult to control when ignited

To ensure your American flag is retired in the most respectful and environmentally safe way, we offer a dedicated Flag Retirement Program that adheres to Title 4, Section 8k of the United States Flag Code. By donating your flag to our program, you can rest assured it will be:

• Retired in a dignified, honorable manner
• Disposed of in a controlled environment, minimizing risk to people and the ecosystem
• Used in a ceremonial process that involves placement with a veteran or patriotic loved one being cremated, as a final act of respect for their service to the nation

As part of our commitment to honoring both the flag and the veterans who served our country, each retired flag will be draped over the body of a U.S. veteran during the cremation process. This practice symbolizes the gratitude of a nation, transforming the flag’s retirement into a tribute of remembrance and respect.

For each flag donated, we provide an Official Flag Retirement Certificate, acknowledging your act of patriotism and responsibility. This certificate serves as a token of appreciation and an enduring reminder of your contribution to honoring our nation’s symbols and veterans.

To donate your American flag, please bring it to our location. For any questions or more information on the process, feel free to contact us directly. Your involvement ensures that your flag is given the dignified retirement it deserves while showing deep respect for those who served.