Passing of Old Glory: A Heartfelt Tribute at Military Retirements | CBMU 303 San Diego, CA | Navy Seabee Master Chief Shawn Hollister
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Here are 4 ways to personalize the flag-passing ceremony at your retirement ceremony.
Flag Passing at Master Chief Hollister's RetirementWhat is the Old Glory flag ceremony?
The Old Glory flag ceremony is a traditional part of many U.S. military retirements. During the ceremony, a folded American flag is passed between service members—typically from the most junior to the most senior—while the poem “Old Glory” is read aloud. Each person represents a rank held by the retiree, symbolizing the journey of their career. The flag is then presented to a loved one, honoring both service and family.
But… What IS the Old Glory?
The "Old Glory" is a term affectionately coined for the American flag by ship captain William Driver during the early 19th century. Captain Driver, an experienced seafarer, proudly flew the American flag (given to him by his mom in 1824) aboard his ship, recognizing it as a powerful symbol of freedom, especially during the American Civil War. Wanting to safeguard the flag from the Confederates, he bestowed the endearing name "Old Glory" upon it.
The flag itself was a gift from his mother in 1824, hand-sewn and presented to him before he embarked on his voyages across the world, navigating to destinations such as China, India, and the South Pacific. Even amidst the vast oceans, thousands of miles away from home, Captain Driver found solace and reassurance in the American flag, which led him to lovingly refer to it as "Old Glory." (info from starspangledflags.com)
What is the passing of Old Glory?
The passing of the Old Glory, also known as “The Olde Glory Flag Ceremony”, refers to a ceremonial tradition where the American flag is presented or passed down during special events, such as military retirements or other patriotic gatherings. The ceremony is a symbol of respect and honor for the flag and what it represents.
During the passing of the Old Glory ceremony, the flag is often handled with great care and reverence. It may be passed from one person to another, symbolizing the passing of responsibility, duty, or service from one individual or generation to the next. Each person who receives the flag may have a role or significance in the event or represent a specific connection to the person being honored.
In military retirements, for example, the Old Glory may be passed from the retiring service member to family members, fellow service members, or colleagues as a way of honoring their service and recognizing the impact they have had on others during their career. This evokes emotions akin to those experienced during a folded flag presentation at a gravesite, but here, the occasion is more joyous, symbolizing victory and perseverance in retirement, and the service member's return home for the final time.
The passing of the Old Glory ceremony is deeply rooted in American patriotism and symbolizes the ideals of unity, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the nation. It is a powerful and emotional tradition that pays tribute to the American flag and the values it represents.
Basics of The Flag Passing Ceremony
The flag passing ceremony of Old Glory is one of the most moving and heartfelt tributes often seen at military retirements, where service members bid farewell to their distinguished careers.
This solemn ceremony involves the passing of a folded American flag by a line of service members, typically each junior in rank to senior, who salute in turn while the poem "Old Glory" is read. The text of "Olde Glory" is divided into the number of segments needed to represent each of the ranks held by the retiring member during his/her career.
The flag ultimately ends in the hands of the retiring service member before being passed on to a cherished loved one, be it a parent, spouse, child, or grandparent.
Reading of The Olde Glory
Starting off “I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory.” (most used version here) The reading of "Old Glory" eloquently portrays the significance of the American flag as a symbol of pride, honor, truth, justice, and freedom. It captures the flag's enduring presence throughout history, having witnessed every battle and war, from historic events like Gettysburg to modern conflicts and beyond. The flag's resilience and invincibility are emphasized, even in the face of being soiled, burned, torn, or trampled upon, both abroad and within the United States.
During a military retirement, this powerful ceremony evokes profound emotions among retirees, even the most composed individuals, as they deliver their retirement remarks. The symbolism of passing the flag to loved ones underscores the lasting impact of their service on their family and the nation.
In sharing "Old Glory" in honor of Veterans and those who may not have read the text before, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of service members from all branches. The poetic tribute to the American flag reaffirms its significance as a timeless symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the undying spirit of the United States of America. I tend to cry or tear up!!
How to customize the reading of Old Glory for your retirement
Use multiple service uniforms you have worn throughout your entire carrier.
EPIC Idea I saw recently while photographing this Seabee Master Chief Hollister’s Retirement. - He had friends and family wear the many Navy Working Uniforms he had worn over 31 years of service.
Alter the reading of Old Glory to include your name and rank each time the flag is passed to the next service member.
Something I saw at a recent Coast Guard Retirement where DVC Bradury’s retirement!
Use an alternate reading of Old Glory that better identifies with you.
“Olde Glory Presentation" Version Two
Forgo the entire presentation portion and just have Old Glory read!
BONUS Idea: Perform a 13 Flag Fold Ceremony instead.
Use this reading or this one from Goatlocker.
If you want photos of your Military Retirement or Promotion, let me know right HERE!
Other resources:
So many resources like program planning, other ceremony options like the passing of cutlass, missing man, etc.
Other poems, anecdotes, and readings read at retirements like A Navy Husband, A Navy Wife, Military Wives Say I Do, The Wives Watch (one of my favorites!!), Order of the Crystal Heart, Going Ashore, Engineer’s Lament, AND SO MANY MORE!
Social Media Groups like THISONE for spouses and over 40k members.
More about Navy Seabee Master Chief Shawn Hollister
Exceptional leader possessing 31 years experience leading multiple departments, 25K employees geographically dispersed, while concurrently overseeing large scale multi-million dollar projects through completion. The Senior Enlisted Advisor on program and policy to the Commanding Officer on policies, training, legal, morale and welfare, and operational and risk decision-making. Looking to join a diverse team of goal-oriented professionals that is administratively based utilizing my skills and experiences to enhance a company’s strategic target goals and maximize my networking potential with a global reach.
Joined August 1992 and retired this June 2023.
Sample Old Glory Flag Ceremony Script for Military Retirements
Below is a customizable example of how to structure your own flag passing ceremony using the “Old Glory” reading.
Number of Participants: Choose one for each rank the retiree has held.
Flag Setup: Use a folded American flag to pass between participants.
Reading: Break the “Old Glory” text into sections to be read by each person.
Example Script Format:
Junior Service Member:
“I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory…”
(Passes the flag, salutes)Second Rank (Petty Officer Third Class):
“I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings…”Third Rank (Petty Officer Second Class):
“I have been burned, torn, and trampled on…”Fourth Rank (Chief Petty Officer):
“But I shall overcome because I am strong…”Retiring Member (Master Chief):
“My name is Old Glory, and I fly free.”
(Presents the flag to their loved one)
Some photos before / during Master Chief Hollister’s retirement
Photos of the Flag Passing Ceremony where Master Chief Hollister had friends and family (his son in Navy Type II working uniform)
It is customary after the retiring service member receives their retirement flag at the end of the Olde Glory poem, they present it to their mother, wife, daughter, or other significant person in their life (next of kin)
Just a handful of images from Seabee Master Chiefs retirement ceremony and reception at Bali Hai Restaurant San Diego
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