Flag
Retirement Ceremonies
Table of
Contents
Other
Useful stuff:
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A note
of caution: If you plan to do a flag retirement at a Cub Scout event,
or an event where Cub Scouts may be present, such as a Camporee, carefully
think through what you plan to do. Our experience is that the Cub
Scouts may not understand what is going on, and may get very upset.
Prepare the Cub Scouts ahead of time. Have their leaders explain the
whole process, why it is done, and in particular the patriotic nature
of the ceremony. -- the MacScouter |
Troop 369 Flag Retirement Ceremony SPEAKER: "Title 36, Section 176, of
the United States Code states: "No disrespect should be shown to the flag
of the United States of America;"
Furthermore, Paragraph (K) of this same Title 36,
Section 176, 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." The BSA publication "Our Flag" states:
"When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly
and completely on a modest, but blazing fire. This should be done in a
simple manner with dignity and respect. Be sure the flag is reduced to
ashes unrecognizable as a former flag." SPEAKER: "The flag(s) we retire tonight
has served us well, but due to it’s condition it is no longer suitable
for display. A fresh new flag now flies in it's place, to carry on the
honor and dignity of "Old Glory" which flew many years ago." SPEAKER: "Tonight we will retire this
great symbol of freedom throughout the world. Please remain silent until
directed otherwise. ABSOLUTE DIGNITY MUST BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE
ENTIRE CEREMONY!" To the burial fire we add ... REDWOOD: to remind us of the red-blooded
Americans who fought and died to build our nation under this flag. OAK:for rugged strength that carried the
flag across this nation and today reaches for the stars. CEDAR:to protect us from pestilence and
corruption and preserve our American way of life. WALNUT: to remind us of the rich soil, the
beautiful countryside and the fruitful brotherhood founded by our ancestors." SPEAKER TO AUDIENCE: "Please stand."
SPEAKER: "Color guard present the colors
to be retired." COLOR GUARD: Prepare to place flag
in the fire: * Flag should be carried waist high, parallel to the ground
by four to six Scouts in full class A uniform, one on each corner and
one on each long side if necessary. Stop just in front of the fire.
SPEAKER TO AUDIENCE: "Scout Salute,
or if you are out of uniform place your hand over your heart." COLOR GUARD: * Walk the flag into the middle
of the fire. Lower the flag into the fire, slow enough that it starts
burning, but fast enough that the flames to not burn the carriers hands.
Flip the corners of the flag into the fire to be burned. SPEAKER: "We are drawn here together
in the sight of God to pay our "last respects" to this symbol
of our great nation, "America", the land of the free and the home of the
brave. Please join with me in reciting the pledge of allegiance."
"Two!" SPEAKER: Divide group into 3 parts to sing "America…,
America…, how can I tell you how I feel. You have given me many treasures,
I love you sooo". Stagger each part. (The approach to how you want
to do the song can change with the group. Maybe invite the attendees to
sing one stanza of the song with you is adequate. The song really does
make a nice finish to the ceremony.) Dismiss 1st section from the campfire
humming the song while they leave. The other two sections continue singing
the words. Dismiss 2nd section from the campfire
humming the song while they leave. The last section continues singing
the words. Dismiss last section from the campfire humming
the song while they leave.
A Flag Retirement
Ceremony from Steven
Featherkile We have developed a tradition
of retiring a flag at the end of each Court of Honor. Prior to the ceremony,
say a couple of hours, we put the flag, folded in the tricorn, into a large
enough "Zip-Loc" bag. We put about 2 tablespoons of isopropyl (rubbing)
alcohol into the bag to soak into the flag. This gives encouragement to
the flame and makes a nice blue tinted flame. We've learned by experience
(and many singed arms) not to use any more that 2 Tbs. The several hours
is important to thoroughly soak the flag. I suppose charcoal lighter fluid
would work just as well. We explain the ceremony
to calm the fears of anyone who is unfamiliar with it. We tell them that
when a flag is beyond repair, it cannot be thrown into the trash like
garbage, and that it is traditionally retired by burning. We then read
something about the flag. Woods Wisdom has a couple of good ones to start
with. The color guard (at least 4 older scouts) advances to the campfire
and unfolds the flag. The command "Display the colors" is given, and the
color guard holds the flag so it can be seen. Then the command "Hand Salute"
is given. Then "Retire the colors." The color guard respectfully lowers
the flag into the fire, ensuring that ALL of the flag is within the fire
ring and on the fire. Hand salute is held throughout this part of the
ceremony. As the flame burns down, the command, "Buglar, Sound Taps,"
is given. When Taps is over, "Two" is given. Then everyone is thanked
for coming to the COH, and "Drive safely." It's hard to follow the retirement
with anything, so we make it last.
-- Thanks to Steve Featherkile,
Troop 319, La Mesa, CA
Flag Retirement
Ceremony PURPOSE: To promote American
Heritage and provide a Community service by honorably disposing of worn
United States Flags. Worn U.S. Flags may be burned or buried with honor
and dignity. MATERIAL: Two U.S. Flags,
one old and one new. Worn State flags may also accompany. Various kinds
of natural wood. At least five uniformed Scouts. Medium size campfire
is helpful.
PREPARATION: Help "speaker"
outline the ceremony in own words. Practice procedure with attending Scouts.
Timing and mood of audience should be considered for best results.
PROCEDURE: Scouts come
to fire bringing materials.
SPEAKER: Suggested comments
to include: We are drawn here together in the sight of God to pay our
last respects to this symbol of our great nation, "America", the land
of the free and the home of the brave.
(Folded worn flag).
This flag has served us
well, but the weather has taken it's toll. Tomorrow a fresh new flag will
fly in it's place, to carry on the honor and dignity of "Old Glory" which
flew many years ago. To the burial fire we add ...
REDWOOD: to remind
us of the red-blooded Americans who fought and died to build our nation
under this flag.
OAK:for rugged strength
that carried the flag across this nation and today reaches for the stars.
CEDAR:to protect us from
pestilence and corruption and preserve our American way of life.
WALNUT: to remind us
of the rich soil, the beautiful countryside and the fruitful brotherhood
founded by our ancestors.
AUDIENCE: Stand.
SCOUTS: Prepare to place
flag in the fire: * Flag should be carried waist high, parallel to the
ground by four individuals, one on each corner. Stop just next to the
fire. --- Optional ceremonial actions at this time. ---
AUDIENCE: Salute - Hold
salute until stars disappear.
SCOUTS: * Walk the flag
into the middle of the fire. Lower the flag into the fire, slow enough
that it starts burning, but fast enough that the flames to not burn the
carriers hands. Flip the corners of the flag into the fire to be burned.
--- Optional (if used):
Add Union (field of stars) to the fire (possibly draped over stick) ---
Repeat this process for each flag to be burned.) * After burning of last
flag, unfold new flag, hold it up.
SPEAKER: Now let us stand
and re-dedicate our lives to the hopes and dreams of our fathers who fought
so bravely for the things we take for granted -- our American heritage.
ALL: Stand and salute -
ready, begin: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Background music "America"
or Taps makes for silent thought period after ceremony. ---
1st optional ceremonial
action --- Additional person with scissors prepares the flag for ceremonial
burning by cutting (and retaining) the Union (field of stars) from the
flag. --
2nd optional ceremonial
action with more time available- Preliminary preparation of the flag prior
to ceremony - cut most of the threads holding all the stripes together!
At the ceremony with multiple people holding the flag, or on a small card
table set up, lay the flag on the table. As each individual red or white
stripe is separated from the flag and placed in the fire, read aloud the
name of each of the original 13 States and the date of admission into
the Union. Then place the Union (field of stars) into the fire, possibly
reading of the name and date, of the last state admitted to the Union.
1. Delaware December
7, 1787
2. Pennsylvania December 12, 1787
3. New Jersey December 18, 1787
4. Georgia January 2, 1788
5. Connecticut January 9, 1788
6. Massachusetts February 6, 1788
7. Maryland April 28, 1788
8. South Carolina May 23, 1788
9. New Hampshire June 21, 1788
10. Virginia June 25, 1788
11. New York July 26, 1788
12. North Carolina November 21, 1788
13. Rhode Island May 29, 1790
48. Arizona February 14, 1912
50. Hawaii August 21, 1959 --- any other optional actions that seem appropriate
---
.
U.S. Flag
Retirement Ceremony Preface: Just a simple piece of colored
cloth, sewn together in a red, white, and blue design. A piece of cloth
that of itself does nothing more than hang or blow in the wind. But to many
thousands of people though out our nations glorious history, it has stood
tall, standing as a monument of Freedom, for all Americans. Men and woman
have given their lives for it, fought for it, cried for it, and revered
it as a symbol for the greatest country on earth. Books, songs, and poems
have been written for it, and our National Anthem was inspired by it. Each
day our children are encouraged to pledge their allegiance to it, and when
ever it is raised or passes by, we all place our hands over our hearts or
salute it. It stands for the freedom we all share and the pride and patriotism
we feel for our country. But when the flag has served
its usefulness and no longer is suitable to represent our country, it
must be retired and replaced. I have found very little written concerning
an actual flag retirement ceremony. I have seen several done, and I have
performed several myself, and although all were done with dignity and
evoked great emotion, I believe that a task of this magnitude warrants
a well thought out plan and a guide to properly dignify this event. The
only "official" resource that I was able to find was in the United States
Code that simply states:
" Soiled flags may be
renovated by either washing or dry cleaning. Worn out flags should be
destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning."
The importance of this
act, and the pride and emotions that it evokes make it a very powerful
event that can serve as a reminder of our National Pride and help instill
the values brought forth in developing good citizenship in our youth.
With this in mind, the
retirement of our nations flag then becomes a heavy responsibility that
must be addressed with the proper respect and dignity it deserves. I offer
the following as a guide and resource towards this end.
Thanks to Dave Tracewell,
US Scoutig Service Project
U.S. Flag
Retirement Ceremony The flag retirement ceremony
can be done in many settings, but is most effective in a small group setting.
It should not be made a "grand event" or public display, rather a small
solemn occasion with a specific group or organization. A special ceremony
or campfire would be appropriate. The actual ceremony should be an event
by itself with no interruptions or "other business" during the ceremony.
It may be a separate part of a larger program, but should have it's own
time from beginning to end. Beginning the ceremony:
Members of Retirement
Team:
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Equipment Needed:
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Master of Ceremony
Color Guard of three to "Carry the Colors".
Fire builder/tender
"New" Flag Bearer
Any "Speakers" you may wish to have read the different parts
Scoutmaster |
"old" flag(s)
one flag stand (with easy clips)
one new flag to replace each old one.
stick to stir the ashes with |
Have the "audience" or
group form in a half circle around the place where the flag is to be retired,
leaving enough space for the Color Guard to advance. (see diagram)
.
X (Fire Tender) Fire
XXX XXX
XXX XXX
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXX X
Audience X Flag Bearer (old)
Color X
Guard
Begin the ceremony by having
the MC "silence" the audience and call for the colors:
MC: "Color Guard... present
Colors"
The Color Guard, in full
uniform, will march forward with the "Old Flag" attached to a Flag Pole,
flag bearer in the center with one guard in front, and one guard in back.
They are to come up the right side of the audience, from the rear of the
area. As the flag approaches the view of the first person in the audience,
the MC will call out: "Scouts... Hand Salute One." Everyone is to remain
saluting until the Color Guard crosses behind the fire (in front of the
MC) and lines up behind the flag stand. The MC will then ask the Color
Guard to "Post the Colors" at which time the Flag Bearer will insert the
flag into the flag stand, and all three will then step back and salute
the flag.
MC: will then say "Two
; Color Guards return to ranks".
The Color Guard will then
Step back and remain standing behind the flag. (Audience to remain standing)
Opening: MC: "We are here today
to honor the symbol of our country and retire a flag which has served
its useful life as a symbol of freedom and our country. "
First Speaker: "I am your
Flag. I was born on June 14, 1777. I am more than just a piece of cloth
shaped into a colorful design, I am the silent sentinel of freedom for
the greatest sovereign nation on earth. I am the inspiration for which
America patriots gave their lives and fortunes, I am the emblem of America.
I have led your sons into
battle from Valley Forge to Vietnam. I have been there though the Civil
War, Two World wars, at Gettysburg, Flanders, Korea, the Gulf War, all
of them. I was there with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt,
John F. Kennedy, and I here with you now.
I have flown through Peace
and War. Through strife and Prosperity, and amidst it all, I have always
been respected. My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense
of this glorious nation. My white stripes, the burning tears shed by Americans
who lost their sons in battle. My blue field represents God's Heaven under
which I fly, and my stars, clustered together, unify the fifty states
as one for God and Country.
I am "Old Glory" and I
proudly wave on high. Honor me, respect me, and defend me with your lives.
Never let our enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never
return. Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the
spirit of democracy, and keep me always as a symbol of freedom, liberty,
and peace in our country.
When comes the time when
I am old and faded, do not let me fly in disrepair, rather retire me from
my duties only to replace me with a new flag so that I may continue to
symbolize our country. With this, renew your commitment to what I stand
for and pledge your allegiance to me one final time :
MC: "Scouts... Hand Salute
One! To the audience: Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance:"
"I pledge allegiance to
the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which
it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and Justice
for all."
MC: "Two"
Second Reader: As you can
see, this banner of Freedom before you is worn, tattered, and soiled from
use and age. Her broad stripes are no longer a fiery red & pure white,
but faded and worn out. The stars and blue background are no longer vivid
reminders of our blue skies and great land, of the purity, vigilance,
and justice she should represent. She has flown proudly over the years
and has done her job well, but now she must be replaced with a new flag
to properly represent this great Nation of ours.
MC: "Color Guard, Prepare
to remove colors". " Remove Colors"
At this time the Color
Guard is to step forward and remove the flag from the Flag Stand. They
will then step back and fold the flag in the customary manner. They are
to then step back and stand at attention with the Flag Bearer holding
the flag in front of him, palms up.
Retiring the Colors: MC: "Color Guard, Retire
Colors"
At this time the Color
Guard is to march over to the fire, unfold the flag, and present it to
the audience in standard display form, one Guard Standing behind and to
the right of the flag, and the other two holding each end of the flag
for display.
Third Reader: The flag
of our Nation should always be a strong, vivid symbol of our land and
fly brightly in our minds. Our flag is a symbol of our people, our freedom,
and our strength. So it is now that I commit this flag, which no longer
can fulfill these duties to the fire so that we may replace it with a
new flag to properly symbolize our Nation. May the spirit of this flag
be born again in the new flag we will now fly"
MC: Scouts... Hand Salute
One"
At this time the Color
Guard will turn the flag sideways and gently drop it into the fire, folding
the ends in toward the middle of the flame. The third Guard will use a
long stick to then "stir the ashes" so that it will not be possible to
recognize the ashes as a flag. They will then step back from the fire
and stand at attention, and salute the flag.
MC: "Two"
MC: Color Guards... Prepare
Colors"
At this time, the Color
Guard will March Over to where the "new" flag Bearer is. The New Flag
Bearer will hand the new flag to the Color Guard Flag Bearer and step
back. The Color Guard will then march back to where they were standing
behind the flag stand and stand at attention:
MC: "Color Guard... Prepare
Colors" " Scouts... Hand salute One"
The Color Guard will then
unfold the flag, remove the pole from the stand and attach it to the pole.
They will then stand at attention, pole "at ready" to post.
MC: "Color Guard... Post
Colors"
The Color Guard will then
"Post the Colors" and step back and salute the Flag.
MC: "Please join me and
welcoming this new flag by once again pledging our allegiance to it:"
"I pledge allegiance to
the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which
it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and Justice
for all."
MC: "Two... Color Guards
return to Ranks".
MC: "I would now like our
Scoutmaster to bring this ceremony to an end with a Scoutmaster Minute"
Scoutmaster: An appropriate
Scoutmaster minute of your choice, or use the following if you like:
REMEMBERING
YOUR COLORS
by: Dave Tracewell Remember Me? Yeah, that's
right, red & white stripes, fifty stars on a blue field in the upper left
corner, I am your Flag, but I've also been know by "Old Glory", the "Stars
and Stripes", and the "Star Spangled Banner". Whatever you call me, I
am the flag of the United States of America.
I remember years ago that
people used to honor me, fly me with pride outside their homes and at
work, and children in school would Pledge their Allegiance to me every
day. They would carry me in parades and people would watch and salute
me with pride as I passed by, proudly waving in the wind.
When men and woman saw
me coming, the men removed their hats and placed it over their hearts
and the women placed their right hands over theirs. And their children
were taught respect for the flag, and what to do as well. Now I'm lucky
if they even recognize me, or even notice at all. Now, the young boys
and girls make fun of those who carry me, and call them names. They haven't
learned, or don't remember about the thousands of men and women who gave
up their lives for me. People who knew the the meaning of Freedom, Liberty,
Justice, and Peace.
Why has this happened?
I'm still your American Flag. I haven't really changed that much... just
added a few stars over the years, been a whole lot more places, and though
it all, stood strong by you. Why don't people respect me the same way
they used to? A lot of blood has been shed since those parades of long
ago. A lot more men and women have died defending me. When you honor me,
you honor those men and women who gave up every- thing for your freedom.
When I am flown, I see people not notice. When I am in a parade, I see
people just stand there, with their hands in their pockets. I may get
a small glance, but then you look away. Next time, please notice and respect
me. Next time stand and be proud to be an American Citizen!
I see the young children
of today running around and not being taught how to act when I'm around.
Don't the parents of today care? Don't they know how to act? I saw one
man start to take off his hat and looked around and saw no one else doing
it, so just put it back on. I saw some kids calling the Boy Scouts who
were carrying me names and making fun of them. I saw many just sit there
as I passed by, talking with one another like I didn't even exist. Is
it now wrong to be patriotic? Have today's Americans forgotten what I
stand for and where I've been?
If you don't care, who
will? If you don't teach our children what I stand for, and how to act
around me, who will? If our children don't learn how to respect our flag,
what it means to defend our country, and how important Freedom, Liberty,
and Patriotic Duty is, what future does our mighty country have? So, when
you see me, stand straight, think about what I stand for, think about
all of the Americans that have died for our country, and place your right-hand
over your heart or salute to honor me. I'll be saluting you back by waving
strong and proud in the wind. And I'll know that you remembered me.
A Modest
Flag Retirement Ceremony Background and Preparation:
A small, modest fire is built and lit in advance, being given sufficient
time to burn down almost to coals.
Scout #1; The following
is a direct quotation from the beginning of Title 36, Section 176, of
the United States Code: "No disrespect should be shown to the flag of
the United States of America;"
Furthermore, Paragraph (K)
of this same Title 36, Section 176, 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."
(Ceremony team enters in
silence, displaying unfurled flag to the assembled gathering)
Scout #2: (Recites entire
following prose while flag's colors are being separated):
I AM YOUR FLAG
I was born on June 14, 1777
I am more than cloth just shaped into a design.
I am the refuge of the world's oppressed people.
I am the silent sentinel of freedom.
I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth.
I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave their lives and
fortunes.
I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the blistering desert
of the Arabian Peninsula.
I walked in silence with each of your honored dead to their final resting
place beneath the silent white crosses row upon row.
I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity, and amidst
it all I have been respected.
"Old Glory" is my nickname;
proudly I wave on high. Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives
and your fortunes. Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position
lest I never return. Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly
for the spirit of democracy. Worship Eternal God and keep His commandments,
and I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all people. For,
I AM YOUR FLAG.
(Stop here until the flag's
colors are completely separated; then continue).
Scout#2: My red stripes
symbolize the blood spilled in defense of the glorious nation.
Scout #1: LET US RETIRE
THE RED STRIPES. HAND SALUTE! (Red stripes are now placed on the burning
fire)
Scout #1: TWO!
Scout #2: My white stripes
signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.
Scout #1: LET US RETIRE
THE WHITE STRIPES. HAND SALUTE! (White stripes are now placed on the burning
fire.)
Scout #1: TWO!
Scout #2: My blue field
is indicative of God's heaven under which we fly. My stars, clustered
together, unify 50 States as one for God and Country.
Scout #1: LET US RETIRE
THE BLUE FIELD WITH STARS. HAND SALUTE! (Blue field with stars are now
placed on the burning fire.)
Bugler: (Plays "Taps" while
colors are being destroyed.)
Scout #1: TWO!
(Ceremony team files out
in silence)
(from handout at scoutmaster
fundamentals training)
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