Peace Officers Memorial Day Flag Ceremony
| Category: | Flag Ceremonies |
|---|---|
| Props: | U.S. flag |
| Props: | State flag (optional) |
| Props: | flagpole with halyard |
| Props: | color guard |
| Notes: | Observed annually on May 15, part of National Police Week (the week containing May 15). Both U.S. and State flags fly at half-staff for the entire day, unless May 15 falls on Armed Forces Day. |
| Notes: | Can be adapted for a troop meeting or campout during that week to honor fallen law enforcement. |
Assemble the color guard at the flagpole with the flag attached to the halyard but not yet raised. This ceremony is for May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed during National Police Week. Both the U.S. and State flags are required by law to fly at half-staff for the entire day, unless May 15 falls on Armed Forces Day.
Leader: 'Color Guard, Attention!'
Leader: 'Troop, please rise and render honors.'
All in uniform render the Scout salute. Those out of uniform place their right hand over their heart.Leader: 'Today is May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day. Every year, this day is set aside to honor the law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. It falls during National Police Week, which has been observed since 1962.'
Leader: 'Think about what law enforcement officers do. They show up when others run away. They work nights, weekends, and holidays to keep neighborhoods safe. Many of them are parents, neighbors, and veterans - people in our own communities. And some of them don't come home.'
Leader: 'By law, our flag flies at half-staff today to mark their sacrifice. We raise it first to the peak - to show our full honor for this flag and what it stands for. Then we lower it slowly to half-staff - to show that our grief is real.'
Leader: 'Color Guard - raise the colors!'
The color guard raises the flag briskly to the top of the pole.Pause at the peak.
Leader: 'Color Guard - lower to half-staff.'
The color guard slowly lowers the flag to the half-staff position and secures the halyard.Leader: 'A Scout is brave - and so were they. A Scout is loyal - and so were they. A Scout is helpful to others - and they gave everything. May our flag at half-staff be our salute to them today.'
Optional: Observe a moment of silence, recite the names of any local officers lost in the past year, or read a reflection on service.
Leader: 'TWO! Scouts, you may be seated.'
End-of-Day Note: Before the final lowering at dusk, raise the flag briskly to the peak first, then lower it slowly and ceremoniously. Never lower directly from half-staff.