Flag Ceremony

The U.S. Flag ALWAYS occupies a position of honor.

Carried in a procession:

§         the U.S. Flag is to the marching right of other flags or is in front of other flags.

When displayed, the U.S. Flag:

2.     should be to the flag's own right (the audience's left).

3.     When grouped with other flags, (i.e., State) should be at the center, in front of, or higher than the other flags.

4.     when with another flag on crossed staffs, should be on the flag's own right, and it's staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

5.     when with the flags of two or more nations, should be flown form separate staffs of the same height. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

The U.S. Flag flies (is being held or on the flagpole) longer than other flags.

6.     Indoors, it is posted last, presented first.

7.     Outdoors, it is raised first, lowered last.

The spoken or sung portion of the ceremony takes place while the flag is flying.

8.     Indoors, after the flag has been "posted" in the stand.

9.     Outdoors, while the flag is flying from the pole

10. If the Pledge of Allegiance is to be said, it should be done before other pledges and/or promises (i.e., the Girl Scout Promise)

The National Flag should be raised and lowered by hand.

11. Do not raise the Flag while it is furled (folded)

12. Unfurl, then hoist quickly and smoothly to the top of the pole

13. Lower it slowly, and with dignity

Saluting (placing hand over the heart) the Flag

14. The moment the Flag passes in front of you

15. From the moment the first grommet is attached on the flagpole, until the Flag has reached the top.

16. From the moment the Flag starts to be lowered from the flagpole, until both grommets are in the hands of the Flag Bearer.

17. The Color Guard may salute only after immediately raising/posting or retrieving the Flag.

The Flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless it is illuminated.

Only an All Weather Flag should be flown when it is raining.

REMINDERS:

18. The Flag should never be displayed with the Union (blue field) down, except as a signal of dire distress.

19. Do not use the Flag as a portion of a costume, clothing, handkerchief, or other decorative item.

20. Take every precaution to prevent the Flag from becoming soiled. It should not be allowed to touch the ground, nor to brush against objects.

21. A flag that has become soiled may be washed according to the care instructions for that particular type of material.

22. A flag that has become tattered or worn should be destroyed by a dignified method, preferably by burning

The Color Guard of Honor

The purpose of the Color Guard of Honor is to protect the flag. Because this requires full attention, the members do not participate in any part of the flag ceremony (singing, speaking, etc.), but stand silently "At Attention"

The Color Guard may consist of any number. Ideally there should be at least two Color Guards for each flag. The minimum is one Color (Flag) Bearer and one Color Guard

Color (or Flag) Bearer - One per flag, if more than one flag is present. Hold staff (pole) at 30°angle in front of body, or hold folded flag (with point away from body) in front of body at waist level.. Is responsible for putting flag in, or taking flag from, stand, or raising/lowering flag from flagpole.

Color Guards - Stand on each side of the Color Bearer. Watch to see that the flag does not touch the ground.. One or more members may assist flag bearer in posting/retrieving the flag from the stand/pole.

Caller - Only member of Color Guard to speak. Gives directions to audience and commands to Color Guard.

Line Leaders - Usually part of an outdoor Color Guard. Lead the audience into/out of the desired formation

 

Basic Flag Ceremony Commands

Opening Flag Ceremony (Outdoors: Colors)

"Would you all please stand for the presentation of the flag" –

"Color Guard Attention" - If the Color Guard has been standing "At Ease", it comes to "Attention". It is also a signal to be ready to start.

"Color Guard Advance" (indoors) - The Color Guard carries the flag(s) toward the front of the room and stands in front of the flag stands. (outdoors) The Color Guard carries the flag to the flagpole.

"Color Guard, Post the Colors" - (indoors) The Color Guard places the flags in the stands, the American Flag last. (outdoors) The Flag Bearer attaches the flag to the rope and quickly hoists the flag, the American flag is raised first.

"Color Guard, Honor your Colors" - The Color Guard salutes the Flag and then returns to "Attention"

The Pledge of Allegiance, songs, poems, Scout Promise, are done now. "Would you all please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance"

"Color Guard Dismissed" - The Color Guard walks to the back of the room, or away from the flag pole.