160911-N-NY430-064 SASEBO, Japan (Sept. 11, 2016) Commander, U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo Chief Petty Officer Selectee Intelligence Specialist 1st class Nicholas Skorup lays a stripe from the American Flag on the fire during a flag retirement and 9/11 remembrance ceremony. When a U.S. flag becomes worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled, the flag should be retired with the dignity and respect befitting it. The traditional method is to cut the flag into pieces; separating the 13 stripes from canton and incinerating them separately in a respectful manner. The 9/11 ceremony honored those that lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher S. Haley/Released)