Flag Retirement Ceremony - Old Glory
| Props: | worn u.s. flag |
|---|---|
| Props: | ceremonial fire |
| Props: | color guard |
| Props: | hidden narrator |
| Notes: | a spoken-word ceremony delivered from off-stage, expressing the flag's voice as it recalls patriotic memories and laments fading respect. |
| Notes: | designed to evoke reflection, emotion, and renewed appreciation before respectfully retiring the flag. |
Hello, Remember me? Some people call me 'Old Glory'. Others call me the 'Star Spangled Banner'. But whatever they call me, I am your Flag, The Flag of the United States of America....
Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you... because it is about you.... and me.
I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch a parade, and naturally I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the breeze. When your Daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder, so that his hand was directly over his heart...Remember?
And you, I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you, with her hand over her heart.... Remember?
What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have a few more stars now and a lot more blood has been shed since those days long ago. But now I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down the street you just stand there with your hands in your pockets, and I may get a small glance, but then you look away.
Then I see children running around and shouting; they don't seem to know who I am.... I saw one man take off his hat, then he looked around and saw no one else with their hat off, so he quickly put his hat back on.
Is it a sin to be patriotic now? Have you forgotten what I stand for? And where I've been? Anzio....Normandy... Guadalcanal....Iwo Jima.....Korea..... Vietnam.... and the Persian Gulf? Look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime. Note the names of those who never came back. They died to keep this republic free... One Nation Under God! When you salute me... you are actually saluting them.
Well, it won't be long now until I'll be coming down your street again....So when you see me, stand straight, place you right hand over you heart, and I'll salute you by waiving back.... and I'll know....YOU REMEMBERED
Troop Salute. Color Guard, retire the flag....
After the entire flag has burned...Two. Color Guard dismissed.