Glendale Flag Retirement Ceremony
1st Person:
The American flag is the symbol of our country, our
heritage, and our place in the world. When a flag of the United States is so worn or damaged
that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, the proper method to retire
it is to destroy it in a dignified way, preferably by burning. The following
ceremony is to honor these flags, which we are about to retire.
2nd Person:
Our flag stands for the past, the present, and the future of
our country and for the countless deeds of glory it inspired. It stands for the
toil and the sweat of the men and women who have built and for those who shed
their blood defending her. Its stars and stripes tell of the more than 230
million free in 50 states striving to keep that liberty for themselves
and for generations to come.
1st Person:
The origin and development of our national flag, like the
nation itself, evolved slowly and painfully from small beginnings shaped by
many minds and hands. From the first flags that flew over early territories and
high seas – a mix of pine trees, rattlesnakes, eagles, colored stripes, and
multi-pointed stars – we now have the standard red, white, and blue five-pointed
Star Spangled Banner. Size is not mandated; it can be large or small.
2nd Person:
It should be large enough to deserve respect and allegiance;
but it should not be so big that it can serve as a ready shield for scoundrels,
the intemperate, or the ignoble. It must not be so small that it is easily
forgotten in times or places where liberty is a dim and distant thing. It must
be large enough to win a place dear to the hearts of its sons and daughters,
but no so big that its sight strikes terror and fear when it is shown.
1st Person:
The flag should be large enough to cover all
its people, not just the few. It should not be so small that it is
easily waved in moments of wild enthusiasm for causes that, in a more sober
reflective moment, would be rejected as unworthy. It matters little if a flag’s
history is long or short, its colors bright or pale.
2nd Person:
What matters is that wherever our banner waves, those who
live under it dwell in peace, liberty, and justice. Let us honor the flag by
singing “God Bless America.”
“God Bless America”
God bless America,
land that I love;
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with the light from
above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam.
God bless America,
my home sweet home.
God bless America,
my home sweet home.
(As “God bless America” is sung, the flag/s should
be burned. The fire should be left alone until it burns itself out. Sift
through the ashes to be sure all is consumed. If it is not, burn the remaining
pieces again. Ashes and grommets or attachments should be buried.)
* * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * *
Prior to the ceremony, it is appropriate to do readings while
people are assembling. Here are a few suitable pieces:
The flag as a symbol may mean different things to each of
us. To me, it represents privilege, protection, responsibility, freedom,
character, strength, courage, sacrifice, opportunity, and hope.
To George M. Cohan, it was a Grand Old Flag, “the emblem of
the land I love, the home of the free and the brave.”
Country singer Lee Greenwood popularized his feelings in
“God Bless the USA!”
These are the words he wrote:
If tomorrow all the
things were gone, I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start
again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky
stars to be livin’ here today,
‘Cause the flag still
stands for freedom, and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be
an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget
the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand
up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land.
God bless the USA!
From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas from sea to
shining sea,
From Detroit
down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there’s pride
in ev’ry American heart, and it’s time to stand and
say
That I’m proud to be
an American where at least I know I’m free,
And I won’t forget
the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand
up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land.
God bless the USA!
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