I concur about treating the American flag with respect, and get mad when I see a torn and faded one on a flag pole, or worse.
My wife and I like to troll thrift stores, and you'd be suprised at the number of American flags that are heaped in bins and in general not taken care of at these places. I've made a habit of buying every US flag I find at thrift stores, yard sales, etc. At one thrift store, the manager even saves them for me, and gives them to me for free.
At home, I retire them properly, with respect, in a hot fire.
To those of you who served our nation, thank you.
Scott Phillips