Standard Elements of a Flag Ceremony
There are many different ways to conduct flag ceremonies based on the physical location of the
ceremony. Ceremonies must honor our nation and recognize the role of patriotism in Scouting
activities. All flag ceremonies, however, follow certain standards.
One of these standards is how a salute is rendered. For persons in uniform (military, scouts) everyone
should be in the same uniform and no non-uniform items should be worn. If a scout has a jacket or hat
that he is wearing it should be removed before the ceremony begins. When the flag enters the room, all
persons, both in uniform or not in uniform should face the flag and come to a position of attention. Each
person should salute the flag and should turn their body to follow the flag as it move through the room.
Persons in uniform should render the appropriate hand salute for their organization. Persons not in
uniform should place their right hand over their heart. This position should be held until the flags are
posted to their holders or have left the room. The same hand salute is given when reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance. In an opening and closing flag ceremony the Color Guard Commander will give commands
about when to salute and when to lower the salute.
Another standard is in the carry of the flags. The U.S. Flag is always carried positioned on the right side
of a group of flags, or as the first flag in a line. All flags are always carried completely vertical. When
entering a room from the rear with two flags, the two flag bearers are shoulder to shoulder with the pairs
of guards immediately following. At the front of the room the flags must be crossed so that the U.S.
Flag is again on the right side as it faces the audience. The U.S. Flag crosses first, in front of the troop
flag. Then the Troop flag crosses. The color guard (the other members of the flag detail) can either
alternate, as they follow their flags, or all those following the U.S. Flag should cross, while the troop
flag with its color guards wait and then advance when it is clear. The U.S. Flag is always vertical, as are
all other flags except when they are “dipped” during the Pledge of Allegiance to honor the U.S. Flag.
COLOR GUARD COMMANDER: The designated Scout who "calls out" the parts of the ceremony.
He should stand in the front and center of the room and face the audience. The commander uses two
different tones while advancing the color guard. One tone is for the color guard and when giving
commands, using a strong, loud, and commanding tone. The other tone is used when addressing the
audience, using a non-commanding tone to make a “request.”
FLAG BEARER: The person who carries the flag - one flag per person. Hold the staff vertically in
front of the body. The Flag Bearer stands silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and does not
repeat the Pledge of Allegiance nor sings the National Anthem. He responds to all commands given by
the Color Guard Commander that begin “Color Guard, …”
COLOR GUARD: They guard the honor of the flag and watch to see that the flag does not touch the
ground. They stand behind each of the flag bearers, or to each side if in a line of more than one flag.
Two guards per flag is traditional, but any number may be used as long as each flag has the same
number. Guards stand silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and do not repeat the Pledge of
Allegiance nor sing the National Anthem. They respond to all commands given by the Color Guard
Commander that begin “Color Guard, …”
All members of a Color Guard must be in the same Scout uniform, at least from the waist up. The
uniform must be clean, not wrinkled, tucked into the pants and with all buttons fastened. If they are
wearing their Merit Badge Sash because of a Court of Honor, all must wear their sash. If hats are worn,
all must wear the same hat.
Commands for a Standard Opening Flag Ceremony
The Color Guard Commander takes his place at the front of the audience:
1. "Please stand for the presentation of the Colors."
Said before flags enter the room or begin motion.
2. "Troop, Attention"
followed by “Color Guard Attention” if the Color Guard has been“at Ease”in the room.
3. "Color Guard, Advance the Colors."
Color Guard advances to stage or flag pole, U.S. Flag is first in line or on the right beside the
troop flag.
4. "Scout Salute."
Color Guard Commander and Scouts salute as soon as the flag is in motion and enters the room.
Color Guard marches to the front of the room at attention. Upon reaching the front of the room
the flags are crossed, U.S. Flag first, then other flags. Color guards cross also. Color Guard
forms behind the flag stands with the flag bearer closest to audience and the guards behind him.
The Color Guard Commander does not turn toward the flag while saluting.
5. "Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance."
The flag bear for all flags except the U.S. Flag “dip” their flags by lowering the tip of their flag
by 1-2 feet toward the audience. Color Guard Commander continues facing forward and
saluting, leads the pledge. The Color Guard does not salute or recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Nor do they sing the National Anthem. They stand at attention and guard the flags.
6. "Two"
After completion of the Pledge the Color Guard Commander gives the Command "Two." Upon
this command, the Color Guard Commander and Scouts lower their arm smartly to their side
from the salute. All flags are returned to their full, upright positions.
7. "Color Guard, Post the Colors."
The flag bearers step forward and place their flags in the stands, straightens the flag for best
presentation, and steps back to the front of the Color Guard line.
8. "Color Guard, Salute."
Once the flag bearers have returned to the front of the Color Guard they are ordered to salute.
Both the Color Guard Commander and Color Guard members salute together while facing
forward.
9. "Two."
Color Guard Commander and Color Guard members lower their arm smartly to their side from
the salute and remain at attention.
10. "Color Guard, Dismissed.”
The Color Guard members return to their seats or the back of the room if they do not have seats
assigned.
11. “Troop, At ease."
This command is given quickly after dismissing the Color Guard.
12. “Will the Chaplain please come forward to lead an opening prayer.”
The Color Guard Commander leaves his position and returns to his seat
Commands for a Standard Closing Flag Ceremony
The Color Guard Commander takes his place at the front of the audience:
1. "Please stand for the retirement of the Colors."
2. "Troop, Attention"
followed by “Color Guard Attention” if the Color Guard has been“at Ease”in the room.
3. "Color Guard, Advance."
Color Guard advances to stage or flag pole, with the U.S. Flag bearer on the left to avoid
having to cross, and form behind the flags, the flag bearer in the front of the line.
4. "Please join me in the Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor Code."
Color Guard Commander raises his right arm to display the Scout Sign and leads the audience
in the Scout Oath, Law and Outdoor Code. The Color Guard joins in the recitation along with
the Color Guard Commander and the other Scouts.
5. "Two"
After completion of the Outdoor Code, the Color Guard Commander gives the Command "Two."
Upon this command, the Color Guard Commander and Scouts lower their arm smartly to their
side.
6. "Color Guard, Salute."
When retrieving the colors, the color guard first salutes the flag before removing them from their
place. Both the Color Guard Commander and the Color Guard members salute together while
facing forward in formation.
7. "Two."
Color Guard Commander and Color Guard members lower their arm smartly to their side from
the salute and remain at attention.
8. "Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors."
The flag bearers step forward and lift the flags into a carrying position and then stand at
attention in front of the Color Guard line.
9. "Scout Salute."
When the flag bearers are in position, the salute command is given and the Color Guard
Commander and Scouts salute. The members of the Color Guard do not salute. They stand at
attention and await the next command.
10. "Color Guard, Retire the Colors.”
The Color Guard members begin marching out of the room by the same route they entered,
keeping the U.S. Flag first in line or on the right beside the troop flag.
11. "Two"
After the flag has left the room the Color Guard Commander gives the Command "Two." Upon
this command, the Color Guard Commander and Scouts lower their arm smartly to their side
from the salute.
12. "Troop, Dismissed.”
The Closing Ceremony is completed and the Color Guard Commander can leave the front of the
room by any method desired.
Color Guard Commander's Cheat Sheet
Presenting the Colors:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Please stand for the presentation of the colors.
Troop, attention (optional, color guard, attention).
Color Guard, Advance the Colors.
Scout Salute.
Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Pledge of Allegiance)
6. Two.
7. Color Guard, Post the Colors.
8. Color Guard, Salute.
9. Two.
10. Color Guard, Dismissed.
11. Troop, At ease.
12. Will the Chaplain please come forward to lead an opening prayer.
Retiring the Colors:
1. Please stand for the retirement of the colors.
2. Troop, attention (optional, color guard, attention).
3. Color Guard, Advance.
4. Please join me in the Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor Code.
(Scout Oath, Law and Outdoor Code)
5. Two.
6. Color Guard, Salute.
7. Two.
8. Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors.
9. Scouts, salute.
10. Color Guard, Retire the Colors.
11. Two.
12. Troop, Dismissed.