Flag Retirement Ceremony - Patriotic Reading
| Category: | Flag Retirements - 03 Main |
|---|---|
| Props: | folded U.S. flag |
| Props: | incinerator or ceremonial fire |
| Props: | Place of Honor |
| Props: | patriotic music |
| Notes: | Formal patriotic reading for a flag retirement ceremony, suitable for inclusion of prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and national songs. |
| Notes: | Includes suggested space to honor specific individuals and a symbolic Place of Honor. |
CEREMONY LEADER
"We are gathered here to destroy these flags that have been deemed no longer serviceable. It is proclaimed that each of these flags has served well. These flags have inspired those who desired the taste of freedom and have represented hope to those oppressed by tyranny and terror. These flags have welcomed any and all in the name of liberty.
The American flag flies free to the wind. The American flag flies above residential porches, camp sites, small businesses, corporate offices, hospitals, schools, military and naval bases, government buildings and nonprofit organizations. The American flag is the most displayed and recognized banner in the world.
These flags serve as constant reminders to all of us that we live in a country where our freedom has been deeply purchased by blood, sweat, tears and ultimate sacrifice. We must not forsake what those in the service to this flag, and their families, have forfeited.
We have here this day an empty Place of Honor for those who cannot attend due to devastating injury, infirmity, and death.
Please direct your attention to the Place of Honor as I read today's names of ___ (fill in the number) of those patriots. In your mind's eye see these people and think about them."
To all who shall see these presents, greeting. Know ye that these flags have served well and honorably. Their stars and stripes have been loosed to the winds of freedom and have basked in the light of liberty."
CALL ATTENTION/ALL RISE (Those that Can)
"Please join me to recite the Pledge of Allegiance": (PAUSE)
"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".
STAND AT EASE
"The U.S. Flag Code states", (PAUSE)
"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".
(OPTIONAL) Dedicate this ceremony to an individual American who loved the Flag (Read previously obtained info about the honoree)CALL ATTENTION/ALL RISE
Staff member inserts one properly folded flag into the incinerator/fire"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer."
Please join me now to sing God Bless America
God bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home.
STAND AT EASE
"Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the ceremony. God bless America."