BSA Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags

This is adopted for the Boy Scouts of America from the American Legion ceremony. The troop assembles, out-of-doors, at night.

SM: The Scoutmaster takes a position at least ten feet from a small campfire, the campfire that will be used in the ceremony to destroy worn and old flags of the United States of America.

SM:  Directs the Troop and the appointed destruction detail to assemble.  “Troop and Destruction Detail--Assemble.”

SPL: As a member of the destruction detail, he directs the destruction detail to assemble in front of the fire facing the Scoutmaster. “Destruction Detail--Assemble in front of the fire facing the Scoutmaster.”

PL:  Directs their respective patrols to assemble ten feet on either side of a line that runs between the destruction detail and the Scoutmaster. Two Scouts in each patrol nearest the Scoutmaster and on either side will bear the American and Troop Flags. “(Your patrol name) Patrol Assemble on a line to the (right or the left) of the Scoutmaster.”

 SPL:  “Scoutmaster, we wish to present a (number of unserviceable) Flag(s) of our Country for your inspection and subsequent disposal.”

SM:  “SPL advance with your detail and present the Flag(s) for inspection and disposal.”

SPL calls his detail to attention. “Detail--Attention.” “Detail--Forward March.” They take  the Flag(s) to be inspected and march forward down the center between the two rows of Scouts until they are in front of the SM. ”Detail--Halt.” The SPL steps one pace forward and says:

“Scoutmaster, we present this (these) unserviceable Flag(s) for your inspection.”

The SM says: “Is the present condition for this (these) Flag(s) the result of their usual service as a Emblem of our Country?”

The SPL responds: “These Flags have become faded and worn while serving the Boy Scouts of America and the United States of America.”

The SM says: “Has this or (have any of these) Flag(s) served any other purpose?”

The SPL responds: “This (these) Flag(s) has (have) been displayed in various public places.”

The SM says: “SPL, this (these) Flag(s) are worn and faded and since they have become unserviceable in a worthy tribute of service and love, I recommend that it (they) be honorably retired from further service and fittiingly destroyed.”

The SM says: “A Flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gause, or a beautiful banner of 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.”

The SM says: “Let this (these) faded Flag(s) of our Country be retired. SPL, on my command, escort the detail of Scouts bearing the Flag(s) and destroy this (these) Flag(s) by burning.” 

The SM says: “Troop attention.”  “SPL have your detail about face and assume the position behind the camp fire, from which this (these) Flag(s) can be retired and destroyed.”

The SPL respnds: “Detail, about face. forward march.”  When the detail reaches the campfire, the SPL says:”detail halt.” “Detail circle the campfire and assume a position facing the SM.”

The SM says: “The Chaplain’s Aide will offer a prayer.”

The Chaplain responds: “Almighty God, Master of all Scouts, bless and consecrate this present hour.  We thank Thee for our Country and its Flag, and for the Liberty for which it stands. To the clean and purging flames we commit this (these) Flag(s), 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.”

The SM says: “Hand salute.”  To this the color guard and all assembled Scouts, except the flag destruction detail, salute.”

The SM says: “SPL have your detail commit the Flag(s) designated for destruction to the flames.”

At this point the SPL and the detail dip the designated flags in kerosene and place the Flag(s) on a rack over the fire.

If available the Bugler sounds: “To the Colors.”

SM: Says: “Troop, Two!”

When the Flag(s) are fully destroyed and the bugler is finished the SM says: “Flag Destruction Detail, return to your patrols and or crew.”  “Color guard, retire the colors.” “Troop, dismissed.”

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