It's a symbol of our country flying high above buildings, homes and significant places.

The American flag is treated with care, but some may not know how to properly dispose of them if they become worn or damaged.

New York State's Office of General Services and Division of Veterans Affairs teamed up to properly discard used flags.

People from all across the state donated flags to their local state office.

This year, nearly 3,000 flags were collected. 

The flags will be disposed of in a Memorial Watchfire at the New York State Fairgrounds. 

Organizers say the timing of it being Memorial Day weekend is perfect because it gives residents a chance to remember fallen heroes.

"It lets us reflect. Memorial Day weekend is not a day for veterans. It's a day to remember those who fell...so it makes us reflect. The flags are burned or disposed of in the evenings, so it makes it even more solemn," said Joel Evans, NYS Division of Veterans Affairs Executive Deputy Director.

The Watchfire is scheduled to take place Sunday at dusk.