A Simple Flag Retirement Ceremony
Retiring a worn American flag is an important lesson for young Scouts. It helps them learn about respect for national symbols. It also teaches them to follow traditions and rules that show honor and care. A flag retirement ceremony is one way to help Cub Scouts understand that the flag stands for the values of our country. When done properly, the ceremony is quiet and respectful.
Flag retirement fits into many parts of the Cub Scout program. Wolf Cub Scouts may do it during the Wolf Council Fire Adventure. Younger Cub Scouts can also take part in the ceremony in simple ways. It is a hands-on experience that shows what citizenship and patriotism look like. It also gives leaders a chance to talk about the meaning of the flag.
Scout leaders should plan the ceremony carefully. Make sure the fire is ready ahead of time. Choose a flag that is no longer fit for display. Help the Scouts stay quiet and respectful during the whole ceremony. Young Cub Scouts will need reminders about the tone. Even though the ceremony is short, it should feel meaningful.
Scouting America has age-appropriate guidelines for Cub Scouts when it comes to fire use. Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Bears should not start or tend fires. They can be near a fire with close adult supervision, but they should not add anything to the fire. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts may help with fire safety and learn about fire use as part of their adventures, but only under direct adult supervision. During a flag retirement ceremony, younger Cub Scouts can take part by folding the flag or standing in respectful silence. Only adults or older Scouts should place the flag in the fire.
This article will guide you through a simple flag retirement ceremony. It is written with Cub Scouts in mind. It explains what to do and what to say. It also includes tips about handling synthetic flags in a safe and respectful way. Use this as a way to teach Scouts about respect, citizenship, and responsibility.
A Flag That’s Done Its Job Deserves a Proper Goodbye
The flag retirement ceremony teaches Scouts that the American flag should be treated with care and respect. When a flag is too worn out to fly, we don’t just throw it away. We give it a proper goodbye. This helps Scouts understand that the flag stands for our country, our people, and our freedom.
This ceremony also teaches respect. Scouts learn to be quiet, serious, and thoughtful. They see that some moments deserve our full attention. It’s not just about following steps. It’s about showing honor for something that matters.
Scouts also learn about service. The flag has done its job, and now it’s time to thank it. By helping with the ceremony, Scouts practice being part of something bigger. They begin to see how small actions can show big values, like gratitude and responsibility.
In the end, this is more than a task. It’s a chance to teach good habits and big ideas in a way that sticks. Even young Scouts can understand that some things deserve to be treated with care—from the flag, to people, to the world around us.
Not All Flags Burn the Same
Some flags are made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. These are not the same as cotton or wool flags. When burned, synthetic flags can give off bad smoke and chemicals. This is not safe for people or the environment.
If you have a synthetic flag, don’t burn it. Instead, check if a local group or recycling program can take it. Some companies recycle synthetic flags and turn them into other items. This is a good way to retire the flag with respect and keep things safe.
Another option is to cut the flag into smaller pieces so it no longer looks like a flag. Then, you can bury the pieces. This should be done with care and respect. It is still a proper way to retire a flag that can’t be burned.
Leaders should teach Scouts about these choices. It’s a good chance to talk about caring for the planet while still honoring the flag.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
This simple ceremony is appropriate to teach Cub Scouts how to retire an American flag which has become too worn for service.
Materials:
A United States flag which is no longer suitable for display
fire, prepared ahead of time
Ceremony
MC: We have come together to dispose of a flag which is no longer serviceable. This flag has served as a reminder of our nation and those who have defended our freedom. It has served us well.
MC: The United States Flag Code states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
MC: Please bring the flag forward and display it one last time.
Two Scouts bring the flag forward, unfold it, and hold it so it is properly displayed to the audience. If the flag has a special significance or history, it should be mentioned.
MC : Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Say the Pledge of Allegiance
MC: Please fold the flag.
The Scouts fold the flag properly. Young Scouts might need assistance from a leader.
MC: We ask that everyone maintain a respectful silence as this flag is retired. Please retire the flag.
A leader places the flag carefully in the fire. The audience waits in silence until the flag is completely consumed by the fire.
MC: Thank you for joining us for this solemn ceremony. God bless America!
More Resources
What to Do with the Grommets
After a flag retirement ceremony, people often wonder what to do with the small metal grommets. These grommets don’t burn like the rest of the flag, so they are left behind in the ashes. Some people choose to bury them with the ashes. Others give them as keepsakes to veterans or Scouts who helped in the ceremony.
Grommets can also be made into simple items like keychains or neckerchief slides. Some frame them or place them on plaques to remember the event. Whether used as mementos or buried, the goal is to treat them with the same respect shown in the Flag Retirement Ceremony.
How to Fold a US Flag
Folding the US flag the right way shows respect. It’s a skill Scouts should learn and practice. Each step has meaning, and the final shape—a triangle with only the blue field showing—honors those who served our country. Folding the flag properly is part of many Scouting activities, including flag ceremonies and special events.
A flag retirement ceremony also includes this step. Before the flag is retired, it should be folded with care. This teaches Scouts that even when the flag is worn out, it still deserves honor. Folding the flag the right way helps make the ceremony more respectful and meaningful.
More Ceremonies
If you are looking for more ideas like this Flag Retirement Ceremony, check out the Scout ceremonies page on my website. You’ll find simple and meaningful ceremonies for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and other groups.
Ceremonies help mark special moments in Scouting. Whether it’s a flag ceremony, a rank advancement, or a special event, you’ll find helpful tips and scripts here: Scout Ceremonies
Frequently Asked Questions about Flag Retirement Ceremonies
Can Cub Scouts take part in a flag retirement ceremony?
Yes. Cub Scouts can take part, especially Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts. Younger Scouts can help in simple ways, like folding the flag or standing respectfully.
Does the flag always have to be burned?
No. Burning is the preferred way, but only if the flag is made of natural material like cotton. If it is synthetic, you should use a safer method like recycling or respectful burial.
What should we say during the ceremony?
You don’t need a long speech. A simple explanation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence are enough. You can also share a short message about the flag’s meaning.
Can we retire more than one flag at a time?
Yes, but do it one at a time in the fire. This helps keep the ceremony respectful and calm.
What should we do with the ashes?
Let the fire burn out. Once the ashes are cool, you can bury them in a quiet place.
One Last Salute
A flag retirement ceremony is a special way to say goodbye to a worn or damaged American flag. In Scouting, this is more than just a task. It’s a chance to teach respect, care, and pride in our country. Scouts learn that the flag stands for our freedoms and the people who protect them.
The ceremony is quiet and simple. The flag is shown one last time, then folded with care. Scouts and others say the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the flag is burned in a prepared fire while everyone stays silent. This shows honor and respect.
If the flag is made from synthetic material, it should not be burned. Burning these can be unsafe. Instead, recycle the flag or cut it up so it is no longer a flag. Then it can be buried. This still shows care and respect.
Flag retirement teaches Scouts to treat symbols with honor. It also shows how small acts can carry great meaning.
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