EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s not uncommon for American flags to be proudly displayed in front of homes, businesses and government buildings nationwide.

But what’s the proper etiquette for retiring Old Glory, when should the flags be replaced and who’s responsible for making that call?

12 Responds brought those questions to the Rhode Island Office of Veteran Services after a man reached out regarding a tattered flag flying on the Washington Bridge.

The man, who’s a veteran, told 12 Responds he wasn’t sure who’s responsible for the flag and decided to call around and ask. He said the flag was eventually taken down and replaced with a new one.

It is always the responsibility of the property owner to retire an old American flag, according to the R.I. Office of Veteran Services. In this case, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), which owns the Washington Bridge, is in charge of that specific flag and is therefore responsible for replacing it.

The R.I. Office of Veterans Services suggests American flags be replaced every three months, depending on the quality and appearance. If the flag becomes sun-bleached, stained, torn, frayed or damaged to the point where it is deemed unserviceable, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Where to drop off old American flags

Old Glory is a sacred symbol of the United States. That’s why there are strict rules for displaying, transporting and retiring American flags.

“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,” according to the United States Flag Code .

American flags should never be tossed in the trash. Instead, there are a number of places where Rhode Islanders can bring their old flags to make sure they’re disposed of with dignity.

The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter will accept flags for retirement during regular office hours, which are Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If the cemetery isn’t an option, most Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts will also take old flags.

Here’s a list of the state’s VFW and American Legion locations:

Veterans of Foreign Wars

• Post 237 — 850 Hope Street, Bristol
• Post 1271 — 20 Claremont Street, Central Falls
• Post 9404 — 29 South Main Street, Coventry
• Post 4651 — 7 Haven Avenue, Cranston
• Post 2812 — 1418 Plainfield Pike, Cranston
• Post 2396 — 170 Randall Street, Cranston
• Post 9447 — 6 West Street, Jamestown
• Post 4487 — 52 Underwood Lane, Middletown
• Post 406 — 141 Pelham Street. Newport
• Post 1653 — 36 Beach Street, North Kingstown
• Post 10011 — 354 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence
• Post 602 — 55 Overland Avenue, Pawtucket
• Post 306 — 171 Fountain Street, Pawtucket
• Post 2339 — 178 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket
• Post 5390 — 822 Anthony Road, Portsmouth
• Post 172 — 22 Winter Street, Providence
• Post 12095 — 513 Dexter Street, Providence
• Post 916 — 155 High Street, South Kingstown
• Post 5392 — 134 Shove Street, Tiverton
• Post 272 — 840 West Shore Road, Warwick
• Post 183 — 172 Washington Street, Warwick
• Post 8955 — 113 Beach Street, Westerly
• Post 449 — 197 Providence Street, West Warwick

American Legion

• Post 17 — 336 Wallum Lake Road, Burrillville
• Post 88 — 111 Chapel Street, Burrillville
• Post 79 — 46 Central Street, Central Falls
• Post 22 — 22 Whipple Drive, Charlestown
• Post 81 — 15 Meeting Street, Coventry
• Post 14 — 695 Broad Street, Cumberland
• Post 10 — 830 Willett Avenue, East Providence
• Post 29 — 1108 Charles Street, North Providence
• Post 25 — 25 McCallum Avenue, Pawtucket
• Post 69 — 2 Salem Street, Providence
• Post 56 — 287 Veazie Street, Providence
• Post 74 — 681 Providence Street, West Warwick
• Post 2 — 2 Legion Way, West Warwick
• Post 62 — 19 Arnold Street, Woonsocket
• Post 85 — 870 River Street, Woonsocket

Did we miss a VFW or American Legion post? Let us know by emailing reportit@wpri.com .

There are also special drop boxes in most city and town halls where residents can bring their old flags. Greenwood Credit Union , the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England and the Boys Scouts of Rhode Island Narragansett Council accept flags for retirement as well.

Though old flags may be worn out and damaged, it is still imperative to treat them with respect by folding them in the traditional triangle .

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