Flag Retirement Ceremony - Our Flag, Rest In Peace
| Category: | Flag Retirements - 03 Main |
|---|---|
| Props: | Old U.S. flag |
| Props: | scissors |
| Props: | fire pit or ceremonial fire |
| Props: | audio or group humming of Taps (optional) |
| Props: | printed reading of "I Am Old Glory" |
| Notes: | Solemn ceremonial script including historical tribute, silent flag dismantling, and burning to Taps |
| Notes: | Includes the "I Am Old Glory" reading and a symbolic farewell from the Color Guard |
- Display the old flag, give its history, if known,
- Pledge of Allegiance Respect paid to the old flag -- read aloud "I AM OLD GLORY" I am old glory; for more than 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.
- 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. ABSOLUTE SILENCE.
- Color Guard cuts the field of blue stars out of the flag in silence. The field of blue is put onto the fire first. The stripes are laid into the fire when the stars are almost fully consumed.
- There is absolute silence until the entire flag is completely consumed by the flames.
- Then the color guard, with meaning, says, 'OUR FLAG REST IN PEACE."