Cub Scout Pack 331 edmonds331.com Flag Ceremonies Cub Scout Pack 331 edmonds331.com

Flag Ceremonies Flag ceremonies are and important part of scouting. These allow us to honor our flag and country and should be performed at each den and pack meeting On occasion, we will be asked to perform an official flag ceremony at a function such as a veterans day or memorial ceremony. It is vital that the flag ceremony be conducted properly and with the highest level of professionalism as possible.

What the US flag Represents Many in our audience have served in war or have relatives and friends who served and perhaps even died in war. For many, the US flag represents the sacrifices of those who fought in the many wars of our country. To disrespect the flag, is to disrespect those who have died to keep our country free. This should NOT be taken likely.

Flag Etiquette When the flag is being honored, avoid goofing off and never be disrespectful. A flag, US or otherwise, should not touch the ground or become soiled. The US flag outranks all flags and is placed to the far right. If the flag is used on a stage, it faces the audience and is to the far right (audiences left). No flag should stand taller than the US flag.

Basic Flag Opening Ceremony Have the color guard in the back of the room, ready holding the flags. The US Flag is on the right, then State or unit flag on the left as the color guard is facing towards the front of the room - or, US Flag in front, followed by State/Unit flag. Leader: "Color Guard, Attention!" Leader: "Audience, Please Rise!" Leader: "Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart." Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March!“ Wait for color guard to reach the front. Flag bearers move towards respective pole stands. Wait for flag bearers to move to the flag pole stands. Leader: "Color Guard, Halt!" Leader: "Please recite the Pledge of Allegiance!" Leader: "TWO!“ Everyone drops salute. Leader: "Color Guard, Post the Flag of the United States of America! " Leader: "Color Guard, Post the Flag of the Great State of Washington! " Leader: "Color Guard, Honor your Colors!“ Flag bearers salute the US flag. Leader: "TWO!“ Flag bearers drops salute. Leader: "Color Guard, return to ranks!“ Wait for flag bearers return to formation. Leader: "Audience, please be seated!"

Basic Flag Closing Ceremony (leader assembles color guard in back of room or offstage so they are ready. You may only have flag bearers, 2 or 3 scouts following, 2 in front and 2 behind, or any crisp formation depending on number of scouts in color guard.) Leader: "Color Guard, Attention! " Leader: "Audience, Please Rise! " Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March! “ (wait for color guard to reach the front) Leader: "Color Guard, Halt! " Leader: "Scout Salute! Please put your right hand over your heart if you are not in uniform." Leader: "Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors! “ (wait for flag bearers to pick up their flags) Leader: "Color Guard, Return to Ranks! “ (Scouts not carrying flags turn around so they are facing the audience. Wait for flag bearers to return to formation) (US Flag is on the far right facing the audience, then state flag on far left.) Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March! “ (wait until color guard reaches back of room) Leader: "Color Guard, Halt! " Leader: "TWO! “ (everyone drops salute.) Leader: "Audience, Thank you for joining us. " Leader: "Color Guard, Dismissed! “ (flag bearers should immediately put the flags away)

Color Guard A color guard must look good at all times. Stand tall and march with a purpose. The US flag must be in front of or to the right of other flags in the direction it is moving or facing. If flags cross paths, the US flag crosses in front of any other flag. There are many ways to organize a color guard, the following are a few examples.

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