Flag Retirement Ceremony - I Am Your Gift
| Category: | Flag Retirements - 03 Main |
|---|---|
| Props: | worn U.S. flag |
| Props: | ceremonial fire |
| Props: | scissors or knife |
| Props: | box of flag pieces |
| Props: | color guard |
| Props: | narrator |
| Notes: | A solemn, reflective ceremony combining personal symbolism, patriotic tribute, and individual participation in the flag retirement. |
| Notes: | Includes a powerful recitation of "I Am Your Flag" and participant involvement by placing flag pieces into the fire. |
NARRATOR -
Our flag is the symbol of our country. Have you ever stopped to think what the flag really means?
The Blue in our flag stands for valor which our ancestors fought and died for in the many battles that have been fought for our country and all for which it stands.
The White stands for the purity in all our hearts. It also represents the honor that each of us should show in all that we do in our everyday lives.
The Red stands for all the men and women who have died in the service of our country, both as members of the armed forces and as everyday citizens.
Our flag has gone into every battle into which there have been United States citizens, from the American Revolution to the Civil War, to WW I, to WW II, to the Korean Conflict the Viet Nam War to the Desert Storm.
It has flown over some battles that were never declared, such as Beirut where the Marine Barracks was blown up by terrorists at the Alfred Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, and most recently by the rescuers at the World Trade Center.
In all of these, we the American people have stayed true to the values that the Flag represents. We should always value the sacrifices that have been made for our flag and the country that it represents. We have an old friend here who has fulfilled his duty to our country. He has become worn and tattered and we are here tonight to retire him with honor.
We shouldn't be sad about the retirement of our friend. We are not burning him in anger, we are only releasing his spirit so that he can continue to serve us in our thoughts. Now I would invite each of you to take a piece of cloth from the box being passed around and each of you in turn place it on the fire. You can pause for a moment to reflect upon what the flag means to each of us.
Troop Attention.
"No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United State of America; 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."
Color Guard enters in silence, displaying unfurled flag to the troop. (The flags colors are being separated during the reading.)I AM YOUR FLAG
I was born on June 14, 1777.
I am more than cloth 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 in to 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 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 of freedom for all people.
FOR I AM YOUR FLAG!
(Stop here until the colors are completely separated. Then continue:)My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of the glorious nation.
Let us retire the Red Stripes--Salute!
(burn the RED stripes)Two.
My white stripes signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.
Let us retire the White Stripes --Salute.
(burn the WHITE stripes)Two.
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.
Let us retire the Blue Field with Stars.--Salute.
(burn the BLUE Field with Stars)Two
Color Guard files out in silence.