Academy cadets accept U.S. flags for retirement Published March 31, 2015 U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy Cadet Honor Guard is accepting damaged U.S flags for disposal in a respectful manner from the local community April 4, 5 and 12, noon to 4 p.m., at Arnold Hall here. Visitors bringing flags for retirement can enter the Academy through the North Gate, at Exit 156 off I-25, and proceed straight 4.5 miles. Temporary signs will indicate the route to Arnold Hall. U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 10, § 176: Respect for the Flag, subsection K, Chapter 1, states: "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." This ceremony took place last year, with 647 flags collected and retired from service in the proper manner. The Cadet Honor Guard will retire these flags at a retreat ceremony here April 17.