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AMERICAN FLAG AND SILVER STAR FLAG DISPOSAL CEREMONY
The Silver Star Families of America
Flag Disposal Procedures for the United States Flag and the Silver Star Service Flag for the Wounded and Ill
While to some, the Flag of the United States is nothing more than a piece of cloth, to most of us it represents far more. It represents God, country, family and those who have sacrificed for this Nation from its inception. A Flag must be respected while flying and to this end, it must be retired respectfully. Every major veteran organization has its own ceremonies: This one is the Silver Star Families of America ceremony.
CEREMONIAL LEADER (Should be the highest ranking SSFOA officer present)
1. Who presents these Flags to be retired?
DESIGNATED SERGEANT AT ARMS
2. Sir/Ma’am! I hereby present these Flags to be retired!
LEADER
3. Have these Flags flown honorably and served as a symbol of this great Nation and for Freedom?
SERGEANT AT ARMS
4. Sir/Ma’am! These Flags have served honorably and have stood for freedom and sacrifice!
LEADER
"Let these worn and faded flags of our country be retired and destroyed with respect and honor and their places be taken by new flags of the same size and kind, and let no grave of any military dead be unhonored and unmarked. Sergeant-at-arms, escort the detail bearing the flags and destroy these flags by burning."
Also let the Chaplain bless these Flags as they are retired.
CHAPLAIN
5. "Almighty God, captain of all hosts and commander over all, bless and consecrate this present hour. We thank You for our country and its flag, and for the liberty for which it stands. To clean and purging flame we commit these flags, worn out in worthy service. As they yield their substance to the fire, may Thy holy light spread over us and bring to our hearts renewed devotion of God and country. Amen."
SERGEANT AT ARMS
“A Flag is no longer a Flag when in pieces. I cut out the Blue Field of this Flag, representing all 50 sovereign states under Gods blue
sky.”
After the Blue Field is removed the two pieces can then be carefully incinerated. The grommets can be cleaned and given as souvenirs or recognition.
6. Taps if available
FLAG DISPOSAL PROCEDURES FOR THE SILVER STAR FLAG
CEREMONIAL LEADER (Should be the highest ranking SSFOA officer present)
1. Who presents these Flags to be retired?
DESIGNATED SERGEANT AT ARMS
2. Sir/Ma’am! I hereby present these Flags to be retired!
LEADER
3. Have these Flags flown honorably and served as a symbol of the sacrifice of so many who have been wounded with seen or unseen wounds?
SERGEANT AT ARMS
4. Sir/Ma’am! These Flags have served honorably and have represented the wounded!
LEADER
"Let these worn and faded flags of our wounded be retired and destroyed with respect and honor and their places be taken by new flags of the same size and kind, and may our wounded and ill never be forgotten. Sergeant-at-arms, escort the detail bearing the flags and destroy these flags by burning."
Also let the Chaplain bless these Flags as they are retired.
CHAPLAIN
5. "Almighty God, captain of all hosts and commander over all, bless and consecrate this present hour. We thank You for our country and a Flag that represents the sacrifice of our wounded, ill and dying and for the liberty for which it stands. To clean and purging flame we commit these flags, worn out in worthy service. As they yield their substance to the fire, may Thy holy light spread over us and bring to our hearts renewed devotion of God and country. Amen."
SERGEANT AT ARMS
6. “A Flag is no longer a Flag when in pieces. I cut out the Silver Star of this Flag, representing all who have paid a price for our freedom.
After the Silver Star is removed the two pieces can then be carefully incinerated. The grommets can be cleaned and given as souvenirs or recognition.
7. Taps if available
Disclaimer:
Please check with your local fire department on laws regulating open burning. Please be aware that some Flag material may be toxic when burned. Burial and recycling should be considered.
SILVER STAR FLAG ®
SILVER STAR BANNER TM
THE NAME "SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER" IS TM
Copyright 2005-2009
All Rights Reserved
The Silver Star Banner and Flag is in no way connected to the Silver Star Medal
The Silver Star Families of America is a non-partisan, not-for-profit charitable organization committed to supporting the United States wounded and ill military members and Veterans from all wars, past and present, and honoring their sacrifice with Silver Star Banners.Content within this web site is the sole property of The Silver Star Families of America"All photos and letters sent to the SSFOA become the property of the organization to be used in any way we deem appropriate."
* DISCLAIMER: Award and/or Photos in no way imply that the DoD or CENTCOM endorse The Silver Star Families of America. It is the SSFOA intention to honor General Petraeus for his outstanding leadership that has directly impacted the care and well being of the wounded and ill members of the USA Armed Forces.
SSFOA reserves the right to conduct the day to day business of the organization as they deem appropriate. SSFOA does not and can not offer monetary or legal assistance, due to the nature of our IRS filings, it is a violation of our by-laws and mission, SSFOA cannot assist anyone in this manner.
While the SSFOA attempts to exercise due care, we are not responsible for the performance, accuracy or content of external links or individuals we offer as referrals. All materials, ideas, projects etc made for the SSFOA while you are a member becomes SSFOA property. State Coordinators and Reps will be chosen at the discretion of SSFOA National Headquarters. SSFOA is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit public charity organization. Proceeds go toward the purchase of Silver Star Banners and wounded, ill and dying assistance programs, less than 5% for administration. See SSFOA Financial Page See your tax advisor. For more info on deductions see: http://apps2.irs.gov/charities/contributors/index.html
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