A group of local Boy Scouts helped us retire and properly dispose of your flags in a solemn, meaningful ceremony. “Burning a flag as part of its retirement is a very sacred and solemn process,” said scout leader Rob Heekin Jr.
How do you do a flag burning ceremony?
“Ceremonial Burning”
- Assemble around the fire.
- The color guard comes forward and places the flag on the fire.
- All briskly salute.
- After the salute, but while still at attention, the leader should conduct a respectful memorial service as the flag burns.
How do you do a flag retirement ceremony in Boy Scouts?
A popular way to retire a worn-out American Flag is by burning it. Page 76 of the BSA Handbook says, “A national flag that is worn beyond repair may be burned in a fire. The ceremony should be conducted with dignity and respect and the flag burned completely to ashes.”
Why do Scouts burn flags?
“We took two flags and we cut them strip by strip. Basically showing respect to the flag and making it no longer a flag so that we can respectfully burn it and retire it,” said Thompson. “That way we can release the spirits to become other flags. We burn them for the community to retire them properly.”
Who can retire a flag?
Anyone. The Flag code does not authorize any particular organization with the duty of retiring unfit flags. Any one person or group can do it. However, flags should be retired in private at a non-public location and the ceremony should be a solemn, dignified event.
How long does a flag retirement ceremony last?
Each flag is unfurled and added to the fire until completely consumed, then the next flag is added. It should be possible to retire a flag every 60 to 75 seconds. Limit the ceremony to about 30 minutes or less.
Is it a crime to burn the flag?
After the Johnson decision, Congress tried to criminalize flag burning through legislation. In response to the Johnson decision, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act. This law makes it criminal to knowingly do any of the following to the American flag: Mutilate.
When should you burn a flag?
According to the U.S. Flag Code, “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”.
Do you burn a flag if it touches the ground?
Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning (which is an acceptable practice) is required, the flag may continue to be displayed.
Is burning the flag illegal?
The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the government cannot prohibit citizens from desecrating the American flag. Congress has repeatedly attempted to outlaw flag burning through legislation and constitutional amendments, but none of these attempts have succeeded.
What is the punishment for burning a flag?
Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
What happens when you burn an American flag in the Scouts?
Once the flag remnants and fire are ready, you perform the following ceremony. The Scouts maintain a vigil over the fire until all traces of the flag remnants are destroyed. Then, the fire is extinguished and the ashes are buried. The burial can be completed with a moment of silence while taps is played by a bugler.
Can a BSA member use a ceremonial rifle to perform flag ceremonies?
The uniform guide does NOT say that BSA members cannot use a ceremonial rifle to perform a flag ceremony. If that was the intent of the guide the language would have clearly said so. It does not. Baden Powell was a military man and set up an military oriented Scouting organization.
How do you raise the flag at a Boy Scout troop ceremony?
Raising the Flag During a Troop Ceremony With preferably at least two scouts, bring the flags to the flagpole. The American Flag should be folded up until it is needed to be attached to the halyard. Unfold the flags and attach them to the halyard, ensuring the American Flag never touches the ground
What are the instructions for a flag ceremony?
At this point, it’s time to check out the official instructions for a flag ceremony adapted from the Scouts BSA Handbook: Two Scouts Stand at the back of the room, each holding a flag; the Scout with the American flag stands to the right (the observer’s left). The leader/announcer of the ceremony often stands behind them
