Info, History, and Etiquette of use
Chapter 1 The Flag:
Sec.
1. Flag; stripes and stars on
2. Same; additional stars
3. Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of
flag
4. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
5. Display and use by civilians; codification of
rules/customs
6. Time and occasions for display
7. Position and manner of display
8. Respect for flag
9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
10. Modification of rules and customs by President
Glossary
Color Guard: safeguards the flag. In an outdoor ceremony, they fold/unfold the flag.
Nicknames: Colors; Old Glory; Stars and Stripes; Star Spangled Banner; The Red-White-and-Blue
Union: the upper inner corner of the flag (the field of blue covered by 50 white stars).
U.S. Flag Code: an advisory on flag etiquette for civilians. Each military branch has its own flag code. On matters concerning military flag etiquette, the National Flag Foundation recommends you consult the specific branch.
Links and info...
There are varying traditions in both flag and retirement ceremonies among various groups. All ceremonies should be done with dignity and respect.
Cut a 5-Pointed Star in one snip! (USHistory/Betsy)
When the flag was first adopted in 1777, the U.S. Continental Congress justified the flag's attributes this way: "White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; Blue signifies Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice," with the stars forming "a new constellation." ~ from Learn2.com
Betsy Ross Homepage Who was Mary Pickersgill?
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL LAW PROVIDES THAT "THE FLAG, WHEN IT IS IN SUCH CONDITION THAT IT IS NO LONGER A FITTING EMBLEM FOR DISPLAY, SHOULD BE DESTROYED IN A DIGNIFIED WAY, PREFERABLY BY BURNING." (36 U.S.C. 176(K))
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Sample Campfire Flag Retirement Ceremony
(used at Camp GF 2002)
When ready, the flags were turned flat and held by the guards. After the first reading, the star fields were cut and held aside. After each of the next readings, a stripe was cut off each flag and placed on the fire (by CPAs and STARS). After the last stripes, the star fields were placed on the fire. Everyone then sits quietly until the flag is completely burned to ashes. Campers were then dismissed.
The readings were gathered from various places. Some were inspired by other retirement ceremonies, others include recognition of the women who helped found this nation. The quotes from Neil Armstrong linked to our Space Explorers and stargazing program.
1) SOME PEOPLE CALL ME "OLD GLORY", OTHERS CALL ME THE "STAR SPANGLED BANNER". WHATEVER THEY CALL ME, I AM YOUR FLAG, THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
(inspired by various ceremonies found on the internet- author unknown
2) I WAS BORN ON JUNE 14TH, 1777. SINCE 1818, I HAVE REMAINED IN THE FORM YOU SEE NOW, UNCHANGED EXCEPT TO ADD A NEW STAR EACH JULY 4TH AFTER A NEW STATE JOINED THE UNION. I AM YOUR FLAG.
(inspired by various ceremonies found on the internet- author unknown)
3) MY FIRST STATE WAS VIRGINIA, THEN MASSACHUSETTS, NEW YORK, MARYLAND, CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND, DELAWARE, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, PENNSYLVANIA, AND GEORGIA. THE ORIGINAL THIRTEEN COLONIES. I AM YOUR FLAG.
(inspired by various ceremonies found on the internet- author unknown)
4) FOR THE COURAGE OF ALL WOMEN WHO WITH A DREAM IN THEIR HEARTS CROSSED THE OCEANS TO BEGIN LIFE ANEW IN A FREE LAND.
(from a GSRI flag ceremony)
5) FOR THE BRAVERY OF WOMEN WHO WITH HOPE AND FAITH CROSSED THE PRAIRIE AND MOUNTAINS OF OUR VAST LAND.
(from a GSRI flag ceremony)
6) FOR THE DREAMS OF THE FUTURE.
(from a GSRI flag ceremony)
7) IF THERE MUST BE TROUBLE LET IT BE IN MY DAY, THAT MY CHILD MAY HAVE PEACE. -- THOMAS PAINE
8) WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. -- THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
9) FOUR SCORE AND SEVEN YEARS AGO OUR FATHERS BROUGHT FORTH ON THIS CONTINENT A NEW NATION, CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY, AND DEDICATED TO THE PROPOSITION THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL. -- ABRAHAM LINCOLN
10) I HAVE A DREAM THAT ONE DAY THIS NATION WILL RISE UP AND LIVE OUT THE TRUE MEANING OF ITS CREED: 'WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL. -- MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
11) AND SO, MY FELLOW AMERICANS: ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU- ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY. -- JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY
12) I BELIEVED THAT A SUCCESSFUL LUNAR LANDING COULD, MIGHT, INSPIRE (PEOPLE)* AROUND THE WORLD TO BELIEVE THAT IMPOSSIBLE GOALS WERE POSSIBLE... HOUSTON, TRANQUILITY BASE HERE. THE EAGLE HAS LANDED. -- NEIL ARMSTRONG
13) THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP FOR A MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND. -- NEIL ARMSTRONG
14) I AM YOUR FLAG
