Flag Retirement 1 Ceremony

This Ceremony is meant for Scouts BSA.

Leader, 4 scouts, hot fire

Lower the colors or unfold the flag. Have 1 scout at each corner of the flag.

You can do this for multiple flags simultaneously, each flag needing 4 more scouts.

Leader: This flag has served well and long. It is no longer a fitting emblem to display, so we are respectfully retiring it today.

(The lead scout is at the lower-right corner of the flag, and cuts off the bottom stripe while 2 scouts continue to hold the top 2 corners of the flag and the 4th scout collects the bottom stripe as it is cut away.)

(The 4th scout deposits the stripe on the fire. While depositing the stripe, the next stripe is cut off.)
Leader: The 13 stripes stand for the original 13 colonies which are; Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey.

(Scout retrieves the next stripe and deposits it.)
Leader: The white stands for purity

(Continue with each of the 13 stripes...)
Leader: The red stands for courage

Leader: "Give me liberty or give me death"

Leader: "One if by land, two if by sea"

Leader: We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.

Leader: We hold these truths to be self evident that all people are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Leader: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Leader: Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or press.

Leader: "Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth to this continent a new nation."

Leader: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

Leader: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Leader: "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

(Now, only the blue field and stars are left)
Leader: Each state is being represented by a star on a field of blue, which signifies a new constellation being formed.

As we place it in the fire, let it burn brightly and remind us how well our flag represents our country.

Leader: Scout salute!
Leader: Join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance...

(After the pledge of allegiance, have bugler play Taps)
Leader: Two! Scouts dismissed.