FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY #8

When the U.S. Flag becomes tattered or worn, it should be disposed of by burning.

At the beginning of the ceremony the speaker will state to whom the flag grommets will be given to. They are a form of good luck and can be carried or worn around the neck of the person who receives one. 1. 2. 3. 4.

1. Lower the flag from the pole (or remove it from the staff) and carry it to the fire site.

2. Place the stars (as the audience sees them) in the upper left hand corner. This is an appropriate reading to start the ceremony:

"Remember as you look at the Flag, it is the symbol of our nation, it is red because of human sacrifice; blue because of the true blue loyalty of its defenders; and white symbolizes liberty - our land of the free. The stars are symbols of the united efforts and hope in the hearts of the many people striving to keep America great."

3. Cut the field of blue from the stripes - have someone hold onto this piece.

4. Next, cut each stripe from the "whole" and lay each piece, one at a time, across the flames.

These are some readings for each stripe:

FIRST STRIPE: The 13 stripes stand for the thirteen original colonies which are; Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey.

SECOND STRIPE: The white stands for purity.

THIRD STRIPE: The red stands for courage.

FOURTH STRIPE: "Give me liberty or give me death".

FIFTH STRIPE: "One if by land, two if the sea".

SIXTH STRIPE: We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.

SEVENTH STRIPE: We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

EIGHTH STRIPE: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

NINTH STRIPE: Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or press.

TENTH STRIPE: "Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth to this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

ELEVENTH STRIPE: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

TWELFTH STRIPE: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

THIRTEENTH STRIPE: "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

5. Respect paid to the old flag -- read aloud "I AM OLD GLORY"

I am old glory;

For more the 9 score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans. Born amid the first flames of America's fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of 13 colonies to a united nation of 50 sovereign states. Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith, my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions. Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage. They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity. They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men. So long as men love liberty more than life itself, so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America.

6. Explain to the ensemble what will happen next, and a little word or two about it. Taps are hummed slowly while the flag is cut up. The ABSOLUTE SILENCE.

7. Group says together: Pledge of Allegiance then sing America (my Country 'Tis of Thee)

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.
Nothing should ever be added to the ceremonial fire after the Flag has been burned (out of respect). The next morning the boys that actually burned the flag and their leader will gather the ashes to be burned. This could be included as the last step of the ceremony if all of those in attendance choose to participate.

A hole is dug, the dirt placed carefully beside it, and the ashes are placed into the hole by handfuls. Fill the hole back up with dirt, a marker can be placed.

If the ashes are entirely out, they can be carried to the burial site in a box, if the ashes are still hot, a bucket could be used, then place by shovels-full into the hole.

credits for this ceremony to: Benny Ledford, Troop 46 / ASM, Lynnville, TN