United States Flag Retirement Ceremony
An American Flag retirement ceremony for Girl Scout group campfires. Prelude: When the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag. The old flag should be retired with dignity and respect befitting our nation’s flag. There are two methods of retirement: burial or flame. Burning the flag does not mean that one should simply drop the entire flag (intact) into a fire. Tonight, we are not burning a flag, we are retiring a symbol of America’s honor, courage, and strength. Therefore we request that all remain silent during this ceremony. Ceremony: Girl Scouts stand in flanking line on one side of the fire. Master of Ceremonies (MC) stands at rear of fire facing audience, asks audience to stand. Color Guard (3 Girl Scouts minimum) will approach fire from rear of audience, walk past line of Girl Scouts, then stop at rear of fire facing audience. Color Guard slowly unfurls flag on far side of campfire, so it shows through the flames while MC reads the script below: MC: I am your Flag. I appear in many places. I have taken many forms and been called many names. I was authorized by Congress in 1818 in the form you see now and have remained unchanged except to add a new star each July 4th after a new state joined the union until I reached my present number of 50.
2023
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