Flag retirement guide
Flag Retirement Ceremony: Step-by-Step Instructions and Script
Retiring a flag is not simply discarding cloth. It is the final act of respect for everything that cloth has stood for.
The U.S. Flag Code states that a worn American flag should be destroyed “in a dignified way, preferably by burning” (4 U.S.C. §8(k)). Across the country, veterans organizations, scout troops, schools, and civic groups follow this tradition through formal retirement ceremonies. This page provides everything you need to conduct one — complete instructions, spoken wording, and a scout-adapted script.
If you are still determining whether your flag is ready, see when to retire an American flag for the signs of wear that signal it is time. Not planning a ceremony? Our flag retirement guide covers the other ways to retire a worn flag.
What you need
Larger ceremonies often include a microphone, multiple speaking roles for scouts or students, and a bugler or recording for “Taps.” This page is formatted for easy printing directly from your browser.
Synthetic flags. Many modern flags are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, which may not burn cleanly in small fires. For these flags, see the full retirement and disposal guide. If you can’t burn safely, American Legion and VFW posts and some fire departments accept worn flags. Fine Line Flag’s Retire & Refresh program includes a prepaid return label; returned flags are retired by veterans through our Arizona Trail VETS partnership.
- A safe outdoor fire pit or ceremonial burn barrel in an area where open fire is permitted — check local burn restrictions first
- Dry firewood to maintain a steady flame
- A table or stand for presenting the flag before the ceremony
- A container or shovel for collecting ashes afterward
- A printed or visible copy of the script for participants
Version 1 · One speaker
Step-by-step ceremony
Use this version for any group with one main speaker, such as a veterans post, a school, or a family. Leading a scout troop with assigned speaking parts? Use the Scout ceremony script instead.
Seven parts, in order. Spoken lines are marked “Read aloud.”
Step 1 — Opening Remarks
A designated speaker opens the ceremony by stating its purpose.
Read aloud
“Today we gather to retire this American flag with dignity and respect. This flag has served as a symbol of our nation and the freedoms it represents. As it has become worn and is no longer a fitting emblem for display, we honor it through this retirement ceremony.”
Step 2 — The Flag’s Meaning
Read aloud
“The stars represent the fifty states united as one nation. The thirteen stripes represent the original colonies that founded the United States. The colors remind us of the values this nation was built upon. By tradition, red stands for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.”
Step 3 — Folding the Flag
Two participants fold the flag into the traditional triangular fold used in military and civic ceremonies, keeping it off the ground throughout. The folded flag is then presented to the ceremony leader.
Step 4 — Placement Into the Fire
The ceremony leader places the folded flag gently onto the fire.
Read aloud
“As this flag is committed to the fire, we remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms it represents. May the spirit of this flag continue to inspire respect for our nation and its ideals.”
Step 5 — Moment of Silence
While the flag burns, everyone stands in silence.
Step 6 — Closing Remarks
Close with the Pledge of Allegiance, “Taps,” or a reading honoring veterans and service members. During “Taps,” veterans give a hand salute; others place the right hand over the heart. Then read:
Read aloud
“Though this flag has reached the end of its service, the ideals it represents continue to live on. May we always remember the sacrifices made for our freedoms and treat our nation’s symbol with respect and honor.”
Step 7 — Collect and Bury the Ashes
Once the fire has burned out and cooled, collect the ashes carefully and bury them in a dignified place.
Version 2 · Scout troop, multiple speakers
Scout flag retirement ceremony script
This is the same ceremony as the step-by-step version above, with the lines split between a ceremony leader and three scouts so everyone has a part. Use one version or the other, not both.
Scout troops conduct some of the most organized flag retirement ceremonies in the country. The script below is designed for Scouting America, Girl Scout, and other youth-led ceremonies, and can be adapted for schools or community events. Assign speaking roles in advance so participants can practice.
Scout ceremony scriptCeremony leader and three scout speaking roles
Ceremony Leader — Opening
“We gather here today to retire this American flag with honor and respect. It has become worn and is no longer a fitting emblem for display. We will retire it in the dignified way recommended by the United States Flag Code.”
Scout 1 — The Flag
“The American flag represents the people of the United States and the principles our nation was founded upon. The thirteen stripes remind us of the thirteen original colonies. The stars represent the fifty states united as one nation.”
Scout 2 — The Colors
“By tradition, the colors of the flag carry meaning: red for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.”
Scout 3 — Our Responsibility
“As citizens, we show respect for the flag because it represents the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made to protect them. When a flag can no longer be displayed properly, it should be retired with dignity.”
Folding and Commitment — Ceremony leader
ActionTwo scouts fold the flag into the traditional triangular fold. The ceremony leader receives the folded flag.
“The flag has served its purpose well. As it is placed into the fire, we remember that while this symbol may fade with time, the principles it represents remain strong.”
ActionThe folded flag is gently placed onto the fire. Participants stand in silence as the flag burns.
Moment of Reflection — Ceremony leader
“Please join me in a moment of reflection to honor our nation, the sacrifices made for its freedom, and the ideals represented by the American flag.”
Closing — Ceremony leader
ActionOptional: the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath, or “Taps” before the closing words.
“Though this flag has completed its service, the values it represents continue to guide us. May we always honor our nation and treat its symbol with respect.”
After the closing, finish with Step 7: Collect and Bury the Ashes.
Tips for ceremony leaders
- Assign multiple speaking roles so participants can take an active part
- Encourage participants to practice their lines before the ceremony
- Emphasize respectful posture and careful flag handling throughout
- Use the ceremony as an opportunity to explain the meaning of the Flag Code
- Check local fire regulations and burn restrictions before selecting your location
Raising a new flag
Once the old flag is retired, it’s time to put a new one up. Most home flagpoles fly a 3x5 ft flag. Ours is FMAA-certified and made in the USA, with embroidered stars and sewn stripes. Not sure what fits your pole? Check the size chart.
Have a pole-sleeve bracket? There’s a pole-sleeve version too, also made in the USA.
Sources: United States Code, Title 4 — Flag and Seal, Seat of Government, and the States; 4 U.S.C. §8(k) — Respect for the Flag; The American Legion, Flag FAQ (meaning of the colors).