Thruxton Loc: Indiana / California

As seemed appropriate, I took the flag we'd been flying for over 25 years to the VFW hall yesterday for a proper and dignified disposal. It was like taking our old dog to the vet for the last time ever even though it wasn't flesh and bone. How odd that something like that could be such a reminder of times past.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

VFW? Thanks, I never though of that. I tried taking mine to a local Army Reserve unit and the local Boy Scouts, neither would take it. Mine is a beautiful 3x5 cotton one but developed several large holes after a number of years of service. So, for the time being, my son and I folded it and I still have it.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I'm lucky. In my town, in fact, on the nearest corner to me, is an old, white painted mailbox to drop off old and worn flags.

Don't know how you guys get such longevity out of your flags. If m flag lasts 2 years...that's a lot, and I always buy the heavy duty embroidered ones, made in the USA, of course. Maybe it's just that I live near the Atlantic and there's always a breeze.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I always take mine in at night since I don't have a way of illuminating it. Since my flags are high quality embroidered cotton and are not cheap to replace, I also don't leave them out in the rain or snow. Finally, the location of my pole is under a canopy of tall trees and as a result the flag doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight during the summer. All of these factors probably help increase its longevity, but even then around 5 years or so is all I can expect. We live fairly close to you, so our weather should be similar to yours except its probably 5-10 degrees colder in the winter here in Central NJ.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Yeah! After I wrote my reply, I thought it might be the fact that it's always out.
Yes, it's usually a little warmer near the ocean in the winter, but cooler in the summer.
Thanks for the reminder and pointing that out.