Indoor Opening Flag Ceremony
| Category: | Flag Ceremonies |
|---|---|
| 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!"