Narrator: In a few moments, we will be retiring the flag of the United States of America.
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.
Please stand remain quiet until the ceremony is finished.

The following is a direct quotation from the beginning of Title 36, Section 176,
Constitution of the United States of America:
No disrespect should be shown the flag of the United States of America.

Furthermore, Paragraph K of Title 36, Section 176 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 manner, preferably by burning.

We will now retire the flag.

The 5 member retirement crew will hold the flag before and after it is cut.
(In the event of a very oversized flag, Scouts and leaders may be asked to come forth
from the assembly to help hold the flag.)
One retirement crew member should be holding each corner of the flag, with the fifth
person following the cutter to receive the 13th stripe when it is cut.
(The narrator may choose to read the following reading portion during the cutting.)

Cutting and folding order is as follows...

1. First cut:  the 13th stripe, cutting from the grommet end, and it is rolled as it is cut.
2. Second cut:  from the top and along the edge of the blue field to the bottom of the flag.

(Cutter may want to continue this cut and make a small cut in the stripe section to show
where the side of the blue field ended.)
3. Third cut: the blue field away from the stripes below it.
4. First fold: the blue field is folded into a triangle (cutter assists).
5. Second fold: the 13th stripe section is folded into a square (cutter assists).

(The crew members holding the sections then remain in place.)
6. Fourth cut: the large stripe section along the stripe where the bottom of the blue field ended.
7. Third fold: the square stripe section is folded into a square.
8. Fifth cut: from the small cut in the large stripe section, through the stripes.
9. Fourth and fifth folds: the final 2 square stripe sections
10. Captain calls the retirement crew to face which ever way they will need

1. 13th stripe
2. lower part of all stripe section
3. upper part of all stripe section
4. stripe section below blue field
5. blue field

If using music, start music, and as the music begins, the narrator begins to speak.
(Music suggested is from the soundtrack from the movie "Glory", CD track #11.)

Narrator: Our flag is the symbol of our country.  Have you ever stopped to think that the flag really means?
The blue in our flag stands for the valor with which our ancestors fought and died in the many battles that
have been fought for our country and all for which it stands.

The white stands for the purity in all of our hearts. It also represents the honor that each of us should show in
our everyday lives.

The red stands for all of the men and women who have died in the service of our country, both as members
of the armed forces, and as everyday citizens.

 Our flag has been carried into every battle into which there have been United States citizens, from the American
Revolution to the Civil War,  to World War I and World War II,  to the Korean Conflict, from Vietnam to Desert Storm.

It has flown over some battles that were never declared, such as Beirut where the Marine barracks were blown
up by terrorists, and  the Alfred Murrah building in Oklahoma City.

In all of these, we, the American People, have stayed true to the values that the flag represents.
We should always value the sacrifices that have been made for our flag and the country that it represents.

We have an old friend here who has fulfilled his duty to our country.  He has become worn and tattered
and we are here today/tonight to retire him with honor.

We shouldn't be sad about the retirement of our friend.
We are not burning him in anger, we are only releasing his spirit so that he can continue to serve in our thoughts.

Narrator pauses for a few seconds.

Narrator:  Would all the veterans in the audience please come down and form a line behind the flag.

Veterans come and stand behind the flag retirement crew.
When all are in place, the narrator continues...

Narrator: I now call the holder of the 13th stripe to place the 13th stripe, which stands for the 13th colony,
now the great state of  Georgia,  on the fire.

The crew member with the 13th stripe steps out from the line, walks reverently  to the fire,
places the stripe on the fire and salutes it. (salute should be a fast up and slow down)
He then returns to his spot in line.

Narrator: I now call the holders of the other four sections of the flag to place the sections, in order, on the fire.

The crew members all follow suit in the same order which will result in the blue field being the
last section placed on the fire, each crew member saluting as he places his section on the fire.

As the last crew member, with the blue field, places his section on the fire, the Narrator calls
the entire assembly to salute.

Narrator:  Scouts!  Salute!

As the last section, the blue field, is placed on the fire, taps is played and the salute continues
for the duration. At the end of taps, the narrator calls everyone to stand down.
The crew members returns to their places in the retirement line.

Narrator: Ready! Tu!
Veterans, we  thank you for joining us in our salute, you may now return to your places.
We also thank the retirement crew for their assistance and you may return to your places.