Flag Retirement Ceremony - Voice of the Flag
| Category: | Flag Retirements - 03 Main |
|---|---|
| Props: | U.S. flag for retirement |
| Props: | fire pit or ceremonial fire |
| Props: | Scout color guard in uniform |
| Props: | flag stand or halyard-style pole |
| Props: | new replacement flag |
| Notes: | Often follows a flag retirement opening; combines patriotic reflection with a final salute and flag retirement. |
| Notes: | Includes personified narrative, pledge of allegiance, ceremonial burning, and raising of a new flag |
Voice of the Flag: 'I am your Flag. I was born on June 14, 1777. I am more than just a piece of cloth shaped into a colorful design; I am the silent sentinel of freedom for the greatest sovereign nation on earth. I am the inspiration for which American patriots gave their lives and fortunes. I am the emblem of America.'
I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to Vietnam. I have been there through the Civil War, two world wars, at Gettysburg, Flanders, Korea, the Gulf War-everywhere. I was there with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and I am here with you now.
I have flown through peace and war, through strife and prosperity, and amidst it all, I have always been respected. My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation. My white stripes, the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons in battle. My blue field represents God's Heaven under which I fly, and my stars, clustered together, unify the fifty states as one for God and Country.
I am 'Old Glory,' and I proudly wave on high. Honor me, respect me, and defend me with your lives. Never let our 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, and keep me always as a symbol of freedom, liberty, and peace in our country. When comes the time when I am old and faded, do not let me fly in disrepair-rather retire me from my duties only to replace me with a new flag so that I may continue to symbolize our country. With this, renew your commitment to what I stand for and pledge your allegiance to me one final time:'
SPEAKER: 'Scouts... Hand Salute One!'
To the audience: 'Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance:'ALL PRESENT:
'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.'
SPEAKER: 'Two.'
Second Voice: 'As you can see, this banner of Freedom before you is worn, tattered, and soiled from use and age. Her broad stripes are no longer a fiery red and pure white, but faded and worn out. The stars and blue background are no longer vivid reminders of our blue skies and great land, of the purity, vigilance, and justice she should represent. She has flown proudly over the years and has done her job well, but now she must be replaced with a new flag to properly represent this great Nation of ours.'
If retiring from a flagpole:SPEAKER: 'Color Guard, Remove Colors.'
The Color Guard steps forward and removes the flag from the Flag Stand. They then step back, fold the flag in the customary manner, and stand at attention with the Flag Bearer holding it in front of him, palms up.SPEAKER: 'Color Guard, Retire the Colors.'
The Color Guard marches over to the fire, unfolds the flag, and presents it to the audience in standard display form, one Guard behind and to the right of the flag, and the other two holding each end.Third Voice: 'The flag of our Nation should always be a strong, vivid symbol of our land and fly brightly in our minds. Our flag is a symbol of our people, our freedom, and our strength. So, it is now that I commit this flag, which no longer can fulfill these duties, to the fire so that we may replace it with a new flag to properly symbolize our Nation. May the spirit of this flag be born again in the new flag we will now fly.'
SPEAKER: 'Scouts... Hand Salute One!'
The Color Guard gently places the flag into the fire, folding the ends in. A third Guard stirs the ashes so they are no longer recognizable as a flag. They then stand at attention and salute.SPEAKER: 'Two.'
SPEAKER: 'Color Guard... Prepare the Colors.'
The Color Guard marches over to the New Flag Bearer, receives the new flag, and returns to the flag stand position.SPEAKER: 'Color Guard... Present Colors. Scouts... Hand Salute One!'
The Color Guard unfolds the new flag, attaches it to the pole, and stands at attention.SPEAKER: 'Please join me in welcoming this new flag by once again pledging our allegiance to it:'
ALL PRESENT:
'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.'
SPEAKER: 'Two. Color Guard, withdraw the colors. Audience, please withdraw in silence to your campsites behind the flag and reflect upon this evening's ceremony and the recent events that have afflicted our country and the people of the world with your Scouts.'
The Color Guard leads the audience in silent procession away from the fire to the main parade area before breaking ranks and removing the flag from the pole.