|
History of the
Disposal of Unserviceable Flags
Continuation of the Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable
Flags
Commander: "Comrades, we
have presented here these Flags of our Country which have been inspected
and condemned as unserviceable. They have reached their present
state in a proper service of tribute, memory and love.
"A Flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful
banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great;
but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol
of all that we and our comrades have worked for and lived for, and
died for-a free Nation of free men, true to the faith of the past,
devoted to the ideals and practice of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.
"Let these faded Flags of our Country be retired and destroyed
with respectful and honorable rites and their places be taken by
bright new Flags of the same size and kind, and let no grave of
our soldier or sailor dead be unhonored and unmarked. Sergeant-at-Arms,
assemble the Color Guard, escort the detail bearing the Flags and
destroy these Flags by burning. The members shall stand at attention."
(Color Guard forms. The detail about faces.
Preceded by the Color Guard the detail marches down center to the
fire. National Colors cross over and take position on the right
of the fire, facing the Commander. Post Standard takes position
on left of fire. The detail lines up behind the fire, which is burning
low.)
Commander: "The Chaplain
will offer prayer."
Chaplain: "Almighty God,
Captain of all hosts and Commander over all, bless and consecrate
this present hour.
"We thank Thee for our Country and its Flag, and for the liberty
for which it stands.
"To clean and purging flame we commit these Flags, worn-out
in worthy service. As they yield their substance to the fire, may
Thy Holy Light spread over us and bring to our hearts renewed devotion
to God and Country. Amen."
Commander: "Hand salute."
(Color Guards present arms. Post Standard
is dipped. All officers and members except those on the Flag detail
salute. Members of the Flag detail dip the condemned Flags in kerosene
and place them on a rack over the fire).
(Bugler sounds "To the Colors.")
Commander: (at conclusion of
"To the Colors") "Two."
(The Color Guard shall resume its station
and detail is dismissed.)
(Color Guard advances down center and places
Colors. Members of the detail resume their places among the members.)
|
