Flag Burning Ceremony: Retiring an Old Flag

 ·         There shall be a Color Guard consisting of at least three people, one being the Flag Bearer.  The Color Guard will comport themselves militarily throughout.  A pair of sharp scissors should be at hand.

 ·         All participants gather in solemnity around the campfire, which ideally has burned down to a low and hot bed of glowing coals.

 ·         Leader: "When an American Flag is faded and worn, no longer in a condition fit for display as our national colors, it should not be cast aside or treated in any way that might be viewed as disrespectful but should be buried or destroyed by fire."

 ·         The Color Guard brings forward the old flag carried taut horizontally, with the stars at the Flag Bearer's left shoulder. While they are bringing the flag to the ceremony, all may sing an appropriate anthem such as "America the Beautiful".

 ·         The Color Guard displays the old flag while the leader gives its history, if known.  She tells the assembly that the red stands for courage and sacrifice, the blue for allegiance and the white for freedom.  Leader reads "I Am Old Glory":

I am Old Glory.  For more than 200 years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generations of Americans.  I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of 13 colonies to a united nation of 50 sovereign states. 

Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American faith, my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions.  Men and women have followed me into battle with unwavering courage.  They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity.  They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men.  

So long as men and women love liberty more than life itself; so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and freedom for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America.

       All repeat the Pledge of Allegiance together.

 ·         With the playing or humming of taps or in complete silence, the flag is cut apart.  One member of the Color Guard cuts the blue field of stars from the flag and hands it to another, who carefully folds it.  Then the first cuts the stripes apart, passing each as it is released.  At no time should any part of the flag touch the ground.

 ·         The Flag Bearer is then handed the stripes; he carefully places them on the fire, either as a unit or singly.  When they are almost consumed, the Flag Bearer is handed the stars.  He kisses them to show respect and then places them on the fire.  All is quiet until the last speck of blue has turned to ash.

 ·         "The Star Spangled Banner" may be sung.  The end of the ceremony is a silent dismissal.

 ·         The ceremonial fire should never be used for any other purpose once the flag has been burned.

 ·         The ashes should be gathered by the Color Guard to be buried.  A hole is dug; the ashes are carefully transferred into it and a marker is placed.  The flag grommets may be awarded to participants in the ceremony.  They are considered "lucky" by some.

 Adapted for YMCA Camping Services by the Lakewood Y Service Club, Lakewood, CA, 2001