FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY
At the campsite, the ceremonial flag is displayed/hung during the day. At night/evening, the Troop assembles outdoors and the troop members gather around the fire, standing. All Scouts are in Class A's. The people conducting the ceremony are at the "head" of the fire. The leader instructs three participants to go with him and remove the displayed flag. The entire ceremony is dedicated to this one flag, which represents all others to be retired that night.
Leader of Ceremony (Scout 1)
"Troop Attention!" We have here these flags of our country, which have been condemned as unserviceable. They have reached their present state in a proper service or tribute, memory, and love.
Scout 2:
A flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great; but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that we and our veterans have worked for, lived for, and died for-a free nation of free men, true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practice of Justice, Freedom, and Democracy.
Leader of Ceremony:
Let these faded flags of our country be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites and their places be taken by bright new flags of the same size and kind, and let no grave of our soldier or sailor dead be unhonored and unmarked.
Scoutmaster:
“Color guard, retrieve the colors.”
Scouts 1, 2 and a 3rd color guard take the displayed flag down and Scout 1 begins to fold while Scout 2 holds the middle and Scout 3 holds the end.
Scoutmaster:
Each fold represents a thread of our national character. There are 12 folds that must be made in this flag.
(The following lines will be divided up amongst a certain number of Scouts and participants. 2 lines per person, then pass script to next person)
The first fold or our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur (De-Kay-Tur): "Our country, dealing with other countries, may she always be right' but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we 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.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood~ for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold is a tribute to our great nation's ethnic diversity; all of its people and all of its colors.
The-twelfth fold, in the eyes of a religious citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto: "In God We Trust."
The third color guard takes the folded flag and places it in the fire.
Leader of Ceremony:
Hand Salute!
Scouts in uniform salute, all others place their right hands over their hearts.
Scout 2:
“Will everyone please join me in a song of “Taps?”
(The Trumpeter immediately plays the starting note)
Everyone sings "Taps" and the Trumpeter plays as the flag burns in the fire.
Verse 1:
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills
From the sky, all is well,
Safely rest, God is near.
Verse 2:
Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright,
From afar, drawing near,
Falls the night.
Verse 3:
Thanks and praise, for the days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars,
'Neath the sky, as we go,
This, we know, God is near.
Leader of Ceremony:
(Once "Taps" has concluded and the flag is completely engulfed in the fire)
Two!
Scoutmaster:
Color guard, will you please each obtain one of the pre-folded ceremonial flags and with respect retire it with a hand salute. (After this is completed) Color guard dismissed!
Leader of Ceremony:
This concludes our ceremony of retirement. The remaining flags will also be burned with respect. At this point, participation is voluntary. Thank you for your contribution and continued respect of Old Glory. God Bless America!
(Any volunteers that wish to further participate now retire the rest of the flags. IMPORTANT: The very last flag shall be retired with a hand salute by all post-ceremonial participants.
Last updated or reviewed on 04/25/2007 09:43 PM
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