Boy Scouts of America and the military are the only people allowed by law to dispose or retire a flag after its service. While the flags are burned it is done with a reverent and quiet attitude, and a ceremony is performed. The ceremony includes retiring the flags by fire, reciting quotes from famous Americans, cutting the flags into stripes, and stars and reflecting upon what each piece of the flag means. I am thankful to be an American and for the men and woman before me who gave so much for my freedom.