This private ceremony involves two color guards, one for the flag currently in use and a special color guard for the flag to be honorably retired from service. Just before sunset the flag which has been flying all day is retired in the normal ceremonial procedure for that location or group. Flag retirements should not be conducted on significant holidays, such as: Memorial Day, Veterans Day or Independence Day, among other holidays.
Lower the colors or unfold the flag.
Have 1 Scout at each corner of the flag. You can do this for multiple flags simultaneously, each flag needing 4 more Scouts.
The Scouts maintain a vigil over the fire until all traces of the flag remnants are destroyed.
Then, the fire is extinguished and the ashes are buried.
It is most appropriate to complete the burial while saluting the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance or hold a moment of silence. While it is customary to play Taps for flag retirement, this is not appropriate. To The Color is played by a Bugler.
Special thanks to Jari Villanueva for guidance on this topic.
Jari Villanueva
www.Doughboy.org
www.TapsBugler.com
www.TapsForVeterans.org
For more information, reference the links below.