Battle of Brooklyn Chapter Sons of the American Revolution
Stars & Stripes Honor Roll
Celebrating Those Who Fly the Flag with Respect.
Do you know any individuals, businesses, schools, churches, Little Leagues, or organizations that faithfully and respectfully display the American flag? Let us know!
Flag Retirement
The Voice of the Flag
“I am your flag. I was born on June 14, 1777. I am more than just a piece of cloth shaped into a colorful design. I am the silent sentinel of freedom for the greatest sovereign nation of earth. I am the inspirations for which American patriots gave their lives and fortunes. I am the emblem of America.
I have led your sons and daughters into battle from Valley Forge to Vietnam. I have been there through the Civil War, Two World Wars, at Gettysburg, Flanders, Korea, the Gulf War, all of them. I was there with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and I am here with you now. I have flown through Peace and War. Through strife and prosperity, and amidst it all, I have always been respected. My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation. My white stripes the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their children in battle. My blue field represents God’s Heaven under which I fly and my stars, clustered together, unify the fifty states as one for God and Country.
I am “Old Glory” and I proudly wave on high. Honor me, respect me and defend me with your lives. Never let our enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never return. Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy and keep me always as a symbol of freedom, liberty and peace in our country. When the time comes and I am old and faded, do not let me fly in disrepair, rather retire me from my duties only to replace me with a new flag so that I may continue to symbolize our country. With this, renew your commitment to what I stand for and pledge your allegiance to me one final time”
Cutting the Flag for Retirement
Before an American flag is retired, it may be cut into separate pieces—stripes, blue field, and stars—so that it no longer resembles the flag of the United States. This process is done with dignity and respect, often accompanied by words of tribute, to symbolize the honorable end of its service.
Burning the Flag with Honors
Once prepared, the flag pieces are placed into a respectful fire hot enough to ensure complete consumption. The ceremony is carried out with solemnity, often including a moment of silence, prayers, or the Pledge of Allegiance, to honor the ideals for which the flag stood and the sacrifices made under it.