Ceremony for Destruction of an Old Flag
Thanks very much to Wendy Baker, who wrote this ceremony.
Have the flags placed on the fire one at a time. It is suggested that you fold them so that the nylon does not catch and fly back at the audience.
As the flags are being placed on the fire:
First reader:
These flags once flew proudly,
They billowed and floated on their staffs through the air
Free, like all Canadians [Americans]
They flew in bad weather as well as fair.
Second Reader:
These flags stood on guard for our country,
They waved proudly for all to see,
Flew far and wide
Over mountains and vales and from sea to sea.
Third Reader:
There maple leaves [stars and stripes] fluttered in the
breeze.
And we felt pride in our Country.
Fourth Reader:
Tonight we must say goodbye to these flags which so
proudly flew,
Now that they are unfortunately unfit for display.
They are beyond mending and cleaning and
Must be destroyed in one piece, by burning.
Their fabric can not be used for some other purpose.
Fifth Reader:
They are old, faded, worn and torn beyond restitution
and they deserves and must receive respectful destruction.
So they will never fall into vicious and thoughtless hands.
Then while it is burning sing "Oh Canada" [US: "Star Spangled Banner"], followed by "Taps". Make sure that the fire is stirred so that all of the fabric burns. It must be done with dignity.