Indoor Opening Flag Ceremony
| Props: | u.s. flag |
|---|---|
| Props: | pow/mia flag |
| Props: | state flag |
| Props: | troop flag |
| Props: | flag stands |
| Props: | scout color guard in uniform |
| Notes: | includes detailed protocol for flag positioning, procession order, and scout customs in line with u.s. flag code. |
| Notes: | provides complete audience cues, salute instructions, and customizable closing with scout oath, law, or patriotic song |
(Here is a reference to the flag code: Flag Code)
Have the color guard in the back of the room, ready and holding the flags. From right to left, the flags should be U.S.A., POW/MIA, then State flag, then Troop flag, as the color guard is facing toward the front of the room - or, U.S. Flag in front, followed by POW/MIA, State, and Troop flags if in single file.The proper way to carry the U.S. flag on a staff is with the staff held vertically and the flag flowing freely, with no incline. According to the United States Flag Code, when the flag is carried in a procession, the staff should be upright, and the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.
Leader: 'Color Guard, Attention!'
Leader: 'Audience, please rise for the presentation of the colors!'
Give time for the audience to stand.Leader: 'Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart.'
Leader: 'Color Guard, Forward March!'
Wait for the color guard to reach the front.Leader: 'Color Guard, Halt!'
Leader: 'Color Guard, Prepare to post the colors!'
State and Troop flags stop. U.S. and POW/MIA flags cross in front of the other flags to the left-most flag stand (as viewed from the audience), then the State flag advances, followed by the Troop flag. Wait for flag bearers to move to the flagpole stands.Leader: 'Please join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance!'
Leader: 'TWO!'
Everyone drops the salute.Leader: 'Scout Sign!'
Everyone raises their right hand, making the Scout sign.Leader: 'Please join us in reciting the [Scout Law, Scout Oath, Outdoor Code, ...]!'
This is where the ceremony can be customized by the Scout in charge. Choose what to recite. You may also sing a patriotic song such as 'America the Beautiful.'
Leader: 'TWO!'
Everyone drops the Scout sign.Leader: 'Color Guard, Post the Flag of the United States of America!'
Leader: 'Color Guard, Post the POW/MIA Flag!'
Leader: 'Color Guard, Post the Flag of the Great State of [your state name]!'
Leader: 'Color Guard, Post the Flag of [Pack/Troop] 123!'
Leader: 'Color Guard, Honor your Colors!'
Flag bearers salute the U.S. flag.Leader: 'Color Guard, Reform!'
Wait for the flag bearers to return to their original formation, facing the rear of the room.Leader: 'Color Guard, Forward March!'
Wait for the color guard to reach the rear.Leader: 'Color Guard, Halt!'
Leader: 'Audience, please be seated!'