Flag Retirement Ceremony - Stripes And Field Audience Participation
| Category: | Flag Retirements - 03 Main |
|---|---|
| Props: | Worn U.S. flag (pre-snipped seams) |
| Props: | sharp scissors or knife |
| Props: | fire pit or ceremonial fire |
| Props: | box for distributing flag pieces |
| Props: | new replacement flag |
| Notes: | Interactive flag retirement ceremony involving scouts and audience placing stripes in fire with reflections |
| Notes: | Includes symbolic readings and participatory moments for each flag color and a closing Pledge of Allegiance |
Stripes and Field Audience Participation
Preparation notes:- The flag should be prepared by snipping the thicker end seams
- Sharp scissors or a knife is required.
Our Flag was born on June 14th, 1777, amid the first flames of America's fight for independence. It represented 13 colonies who together fought oppression so that we today could enjoy our freedom. From those 13 colonies we have grown into a nation of 50 states.
Since those days our country has been a beacon of freedom for other peoples from around the world. We have sent men and women into harm's way to keep that beacon lit. Our flag flew proudly in 1812 when our freedom was in doubt. It was there at Fort Sumpter, Gettysburg and at Appomatox. In World War 1 it led Dough Boys as they fought across Europe. A generation later it flew over Pearl harbor, Guadacanal and Iwo Jima. It flew over Africa, Normandy and again led Americans across Europe. In Korea the flag flew from one hill to another, in Vietnam it flew proudly while it lay burned and tattered back home. The flag was there in Beruit, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Bosnia and Kosovo.
So that is why we are here tonight, to give our flag honor as so many have done before. As this box is passed around, I would like every cub scout, boy scout, girl scout and adult leader to take a piece of our flag. Hold it tight for its still our flag.
(Let everyone take a piece)Those of you who have a white piece please come forward and place it on the fire.
(Halfway through read below)The white represents purity that is in all our hearts it represents the honor deep inside our soul.
Those of you who have a red piece please come forward and place your piece on the fire.
(Halfway through read below)The red stands for the men and women in the armed forces who have served or died to keep freedom alive. It also stands for those on our soil who have died to protect the rights of others.
(Once everyone who had a red piece is done have a Webelos come forward with blue field and kneel. Then read the following.)The blue stands for valor and courage that binds our fifty states together. The blue field in indicative of God's heaven under which it flies.
(Have the Webelos place the blue field in the fire.)Our Flag is more than colored cloth shaped into a design, it represents us, you and I
(In the next statement, they are talking about the flag they are retiring and its history)Tonight, we have laid to rest a very dear old friend, he did not lead soldiers into battle he did not fly from a place on high, but he has served us well. For twenty-one years it flew with honor as it watched our boys grow. Its' staff has been held by hundreds and he was saluted by thousands giving him their allegiance. Though we have lain him into our fire do not be sad, for he has served us with pride and his spirit has been passed on to our new flag.
(Have a Webelos come forward with the new flag.)Will you please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance?