Adapted from the American Legion Unservicable Flag Disposal Ceremony, 1937.

We have the honor to present for final inspection and proper disposal these Flags of our Country. These Flags have become unservicable in a worthy cause. They have reached their present state in a proper service of tribute, memory and love. They should be honorably retired from further service.

A Flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great; but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that countless men and women have worked for and lived for, and died for - a free Nation of free people, true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practice of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.

Let these faded Flags of our Country be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites and their places be taken by bright new Flags of the same size and kind, and let no grave of our soldier or sailor dead be unhonored and unmarked.

All witnesses please stand at silent attention.