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Flag Retirement Ceremony Program June 11, 2005 Welcoming: Ryan Francis Opening: Ryan Francis Kenrick Hartman: National AnthemSpeaker1: I AM YOUR FLAG! I was born on June 14, 1777. I am more than cloth just shaped into a design. I am the refuge of the world’s oppressed people. I am the silent sentinel of freedom. I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth. I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave their lives and fortunes. I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the dry deserts of Iraq. I walked in silence with each of your honored dead to their final resting place Beneath the silent white crosses row upon row. I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity and amidst it all I have been respected. "Old Glory" is my nickname; proudly I wave on high. Honor me, respect me, and defend me with your lives and your fortunes. Never let my 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. Worship the Eternal God and keep His commandments and I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all of mankind. For, I AM YOUR FLAG! Written by Colonel Daniel K. Cedusky, USAR, Retired Speaker2: "The U.S. flag is more than just some brightly colored cloth... it is a symbol of our nation. Each part of the flag has a special meaning." Speaker3: "Seven red stripes and six white strips; together represent the original 13 colonies that gained us liberty. The red stripes remind us of the lifeblood of brave men and women who were ready to die for this, their country."Speaker4: "The white stripes remind us of purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed. The blue is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens."Speaker5: "The stars represent the fifty sovereign states of our union. The American Creed states, "it is my duty to my country to love it, to respect its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."Ryan: We are here this afternoon to honor our nation’s flag. The United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, Paragraph K states: "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." As we honor this flag, we are also honoring those who have served and died under it. Before we begin the official retirement, Monsignor Mullin from St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church will bless the flags.Monsignor Mullin: Blessing of the flagsSpeaker6: "The US Flag should be treated with respect when it is flying, and should be treated with respect when it is being retired. We shouldn’t be sad about the retirement of our friend. We are not burning him in anger; we are only releasing his spirit so that he can continue to serve us in our thoughts." Would scouts assisting in the retiring of the flags please come forward.Scouts: Flags placed on the fire.Taps (Flags being retired) : "A RETIRING FLAGS LAST REQUEST" D.L. Neblock I’ve flown, tattered and torn And now the end is near But these last words I say Pay attention - kindly hear There’s one last favor I will ask of all of you This last simple request Please do, please do A brand new flag, replacing me Kindly go out and buy My stars and stripes raise high In my Honor, I ask of you Please stand, as I pass by May you fly with pride As in days gone by And as I retire In embers of a glowing flame LOVE OUR COUNTRY IN MY NAME FOR I AM YOUR FLAG I AM YOUR PRIDE I FLY FOR YOU AND OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO, FOR ME AND YOU HAVE PROUDLY SERVED AND DIED GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. TODAY, TOMORROW AS IN OUR YESTERDAY ONE LAST REQUEST, I'M DONE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, REQUEST # 1 Ryan: "This concludes the Flag Retirement Ceremony. Thank you for coming."
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