Compatriot officers, flag retirement team members flag disposal detail, color guard, musket. Non participating compatriots and guests should be directed to their designated area. Flag retirement is a solemn ceremony, and it can involve burning the flag. The retirement mc waits for at least 15 seconds after the flag is in full view before continuing the ceremony. If, in the case of an officer, i am selected for promotion after having submitted my request to retire, i understand that i must request withdrawal of my retirement or refuse the promotion in writing to cmc mmpr. Marine corps separation and retirement manual j2 retirement preapplication checklist b. This is a solemn ceremony, and we ask that you all show the proper respect for the flag and those who have fought so hard for it and all it represents. Flag ceremonies may take place in meeting rooms, outdoor settings, large auditoriums, on stage, even on horseback. Flag retirement ceremony materials and personnel needed.
Remember this is a flag retirement service, not a ceremony. A guide to protocol and etiquette for official entertainment department of the army pamphlet 600 60 history. The flag retirement ceremony can be done in many settings, but is most effective in a small group setting. Ceremonies reinforce values, pass on traditions, recognize accomplishments, strengthen friendships and give life to the. See flag retirement ceremony for a sample retirement script.
We will now begin our formal flag retirement ceremony. Flag retirement facility south fayette township, pa. Also we need to explain to the audience that we are not burning the flag in disrespect as most people see on television. The united states flag code, title 4, section 8k what is flag retirement. The retirement mc steps to the position opposite that of the unit leader. Flag ceremonies are a longstanding girl scout tradition that honors the american flag as the symbol of our country and all the hopes, dreams, and people it represents. Flag retirement is the term used to define the proper, dignified way of destroying united. How to conduct a cub scout flag ceremony free printable.
However, with the view toward maintaining consistency throughout the army, the procedures prescribed herein should be followed as closely as possible. Remember that you are coming together to retire this flag, not dispose of it. This area should be configured as shown in figure 1 attached. If the vfw post has a color guard, it should consist of a flag bearer and an even number of guards, typically four or six, in addition to the caller who runs the ceremony. Only one flag should be used in the ceremony, which is representative of all the flags to be burned in the service. The publication was last revised o n 1 5 o c t o b e r 1 9 8 9, a u t h e n t i c a t e d b y order of the secretary of the army by carl e. Our flag has been used so much, that it is no longer a fitting emblem to display, so we are respectfully burning it. Cfr chief of flag retirement scoutperson to read the history of the flag the scoutmaster, or leader of the organization a guest speaker usually a veteran, or distinguished peron person to give the invocationbenediction color guard with color guard captain burn crew to make sure the flag.
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 nations flag. An american flag retirement ceremony for girl scout group campfires. Our camps have begun and ended each day with the raising and lowering of the flag for decades and this is an. The united states flag code, title 4, section 8k statesthe flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. North carolina 4th of july festival flag retirement ceremony. When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest, but blazing fire. The following is a sample of a flag retirement ceremony that has been used by boy scout troop 849 in manhattan beach, ca. The subject of flag retirement ceremonies sparks heated debates every year in scouting circles. Flag ceremony a flag ceremony honors the american flag as the symbol of our country and all the hopes, dreams, and people it consists of. If you are wanting to retire the flag, the boy scouts and other civil organizations such as your american legion, or vfw will generally accept them and do retirement ceremonies. Like discussions of religion and politics, the flag and flag retirements evoke strong feelings in a lot of people.
Join,868 people who get bryan on scouting in their inbox. Program all veteran post representatives, boy scouts and girl scouts to arrive by 9 a. At a flag ceremony, you say the pledge of allegiance in the presence of a flag. The color guard unfolds the flag for the last time, and presents the flag tilted so that it can be seen by the audience.
In 1937, the american legion outlined the ceremony for disposal of unserviceable flags. In a few moments, we will be retiring the flag of the united states of america. Flag manual the starspangled banner the national anthem of the united states by act of congress, march 3, 1931 oh, say, can you see, by. 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. Whether youre looking for the historic details of how the u. The most accepted manner is to cut the blue field of stars from the red and white stripes, thereby rendering it no longer a flag. Commander joe hardin joins us in the studio to explain the ceremony. A special ceremony or campfire would be appropriate. If you can, having a quick flag ceremony rehearsal will help the kids feel confident as they are presenting our nations colors. The flag code does not actually give specifics on how to destroy the flag. In 2017, south fayette township resident jacob kanaskie created an american flag retirement facility in fairview park for his scouts bsa troop 248 eagle scout service project. The american legion, veterans of foreign wars and girl scouts are three organizations that hold special flag retirement.
The national flag foundation provides the following guide for conducting a patriotic flag burning ceremony. Us flag retirement ceremony project boy scout trail. Flag retirement ceremony the flag retirement ceremony can be done in many settings, but is most effective in a small group setting. Big collection of flag retirement ceremonies south fayette. Flag ceremony script standard opening flag ceremony 1. American flag disposal the united states flag code states.
The american flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nations most iconic symbol of freedom. Arrange, plan, and publicize a public ceremony to retire all the old flags using. The facility, located near the fairview entrance pavilion, allows individuals and groups to respectfully dispose of u. If your group includes girls from other countries, girls can honor their flags, too, and conduct an international flag ceremony. There is one color bearer for each flag used in the ceremony.
Many are willing to tell you that their way is the only way. How to properly retire an american flag us flag etiquette. Flag retirement is the term used to define the proper, dignified way of destroying united states flags that are no longer fit to serve the nation. At evening colors, the ensign shall be started from the peak or. The ceremony for disposal of unserviceable flags is outlined in resolution no. Etiquette also states that you can retire your flag through a burning ceremony of your own as long as it is done in a dignified and respectful manner. 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. Flag to be retired is raised to the colors is played as flag is raised national anthem is sang color guard retires the colors. Flag code states 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 held annually during the festival, the n.
In addition to the above certificates, the following personnel upon retirement shall. Flag retirement ceremony sons of the american legion. It should not be made a grand event or public display, rather a small solemn occasion with a specific group or organization. Attention shall resounded, followad by the playing of the national anthem by the band. When a flag is worn beyond repair, it should be retired in a dignified manner. A flag ceremony can involve either the unfolding and raising of a flag or the lowering and folding of a flag. Flag ceremonies may take place in meeting rooms, outdoor settings, large auditoriums. Flag retirement is the term used to define the proper, dignified way of destroying united states. Personnelgeneral a guide to protocol and etiquette for. The flag retirement area should be set up prior to the ceremony. Flag retirement ceremonies, which is really the correct way. In fact, conducting a flag retirement ceremony is a very meaningful opportunity for scouts and scouters to reflect on the meaning of the flag as a. This ceremony works best when many people are present. Cadets from university of portland air force rotcs mitchells rifles respectfully retire two worn american flags during llab 7 on 12 oct.
The basis for this ceremony came from camp whitsett during the summer of 1994. Contact all local organizations, such as elks, lions, police, fire. The remainder of the flags collected should be incinerated. It should not be made a grand event or public display, rather a small, solemn occasion with a specific group or organization. Flag retirement the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Title 36, section 176, of the united states code states. Color guard training girl scouts of the sierra nevada. Ceremoniesflag raising and retiring there are many kinds of ceremonies in girl scouting.
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