United States Federal Law provides that “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” (36 U.S.C. 176(k))
When the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be “retired” with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation’s flag. The traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag, but this does not mean that one should simply drop the entire flag (intact) into a fire.
A flag ceases to be a flag when it is cut into pieces. In addition, it is easier to completely incinerate the flag, if it is cut into smaller pieces. A flag should never be torn up like an old bed sheet. It should be cut up with scissors or shears in a methodical manner. The corners of the flag should be stretched out over a table top and someone should cut the flag in half, vertically (be careful not to cut the blue star field (see figure below). Then, place the two halves together and cut them in half horizontally. You will end up with four pieces of flag, on being the blue star field.
Note: The reason we do not cut the blue star field is it represents the union of the fifty states and one should never let the union be broken.
While the Scouts are performing the flag dissection, other Scouts should start and tend a medium size wood fire. Once the flag remnants and fire are ready, the following ceremony is performed. The Scouts maintain vigil over the fire until all traces of the flag remnants are destroyed. Then, the fire is extinguished and the ashes and grommets are buried. The burial can be completed with a moment of silence while taps is being played by a bugler.
Note: Before accepting a flag for retirement, the recipient should obtain information about it’s history. For example: where has it flown? How long? Any memorable events happen at that site? This information should be used in the ceremony.
Adult Leader: The U.S. flag is more than just some brightly colored cloth… it is a symbol of our nation.
Scout #1: Seven red stripes and six white strips; together they represent the original 13 colonies that gained us liberty.
Scout #2: The red stripes remind us of the lifeblood of brave men and women who were ready to die for this, their country.
Scout #3: The white stripes remind us of purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed.
Scout #4: The blue is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens.
Scout #5: The stars represent the fifty sovereign states of our union.
Adult Leader: The U.S. flag should be treated with respect when it’s flying, and it should be treated with respect when it’s being retired.
Scout #6: The American Creed states, “it is my duty to my country to love it, to respect its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”
Scout #7: Therefore, we retire flags with dignity and respect when they become worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled.
Adult Leader: This flag is ready to be retired. Its history is as follows:
First Raised (when):
At (location):
Memorable event or fact:
Scout #8: A flag ceases to be a flag when it is cut into pieces. We cut the flag into four pieces: three red and white striped banners and the blue star field. We leave the blue field intact because no one should ever let the union be broken.
Adult Leader: I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up! – And see me! I stand for peace – honor – and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident – I am arrogant. I am Proud. When I am flown with fellow banners my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer. I bow to no-one. I am recognized all over the world. I am worshiped – I am saluted – I am respected – I am revered – I am loved, and I am feared. I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, The trenches of France, the Argone forest, Anzio, Rome, the Beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Phillipines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Khe Sahn, Ia Drang, the deserts of Iraq, Kuwait, the mountains of Afganistan and a score of other places long forgotten by all those who were there with me. I was there. I led my soldiers – I followed them. I watched over them. They loved me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud. I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my own country, and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle – it hurts, but I shall overcome – for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of earth and stand watch over the uncharted new frontier of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours. But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, when I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son. I am proud. My name is Old Glory. Long may I wave. Dear God….Long may I wave!
The Scouts will maintain a vigil over the fire until no traces of the flag remnants remain. Then the ashes and grommets will be collected and buried.
Adult Leader: This concludes this ceremony. Thank you for attending.
