SE District 4-H
Reinventing
Ceremonies, Part 2
or observance is celebrated or at a community event.
Examples might be a Veteran’s Day ceremony, a Presi‐
dent’s Day ceremony, or a Flag Day ceremony, just to
name a few.
Types of Ceremonies
There are several types of ceremonies to consider as
planning occurs for 4‐H events. Below is a descrip on of
different ceremonies that might be incorporated into 4‐H
events.
 RecogniƟon Ceremonies: this might be as simple as
announcing the results of a county contest during a club
mee ng to recognize members of the club who par ci‐
pated. It would also include the county awards pro‐
gram to recognize accomplishments for the year. The
point is to make those being recognized feel special for
their accomplishments. Awards are not always
required. Some mes verbal recogni on means more!
 InstallaƟon Ceremonies: These ceremonies are
typically performed to install new officers. This might
be at the club, county, district, or state level. There are
numerous ways to conduct installa on ceremonies. If
there is a theme for the year or a specific event, the
installa on may be wri en to showcase that theme.
Some mes the items given to the incoming officers
relate to a specific theme. For example if a NASCAR
racing theme is used for a county awards banquet,
different toy cars may be used as gi s for each officer
installed. Officer pins may be presented as the installa‐
on is conducted that can be worn or kept as a keep‐
sake by the officers.
 Special Observance Ceremonies: There may be
opportuni es to teach about holidays or special events
by conduc ng a ceremony. These might be presented
during a club mee ng in the month when that holiday
 Flag Raising or Lowering Ceremonies: Honoring the
flag at 4‐H mee ngs, banquets, camps, and other
occasions is an important part of ceremonies. Reci ng
the pledges is important, but flag raising and lowering
ceremonies can serve as a teaching tool to provide
informa on about flag e que e, flag history,
patrio sm and more. Flag raising is conducted at the
beginning of the day. Flag lowering is typically
conducted before dinner during an overnight camp to
reflect on the day.
 Vespers: This ceremony is usually conducted at the
end of the evening during overnight events or the end
of a one day event to bring the ac vi es to a close.
Vespers is a me to reflect on the day’s ac vi es,
provide inspira on or encouraging thoughts. Vespers
might be excerpts from a book, a poem, a personal
story, a song, quotes, or a combina on of things.
Steps In Planning A Ceremony
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Determine the purpose and choose a theme.
Assemble all resource material.
Write script or find appropriate ceremony already
wri en.
Decide who will be included in presen ng ceremony.
Delegate responsibility.
Consider se ng or atmosphere needed.
Assemble props and equipment.
Rehearse as needed.
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments coopera ng. Oklahoma State University, in compliance
with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Execu ve Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Educa on Amendments of 1972, Americans
with Disabili es Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regula ons, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, na onal origin,
gender, age religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, prac ces, or procedures.
Reinventing Ceremonies, Part 2
A good ceremony is:
Simple,
Resources for Special Occasion Ceremonies

Na onal Flag Day Founda on
h p://www.na onalflagday.com/default.asp

Remarks given by President Ronald Reagan at a Flag Day
Ceremony. Use parts of his speech to write a ceremony.
h p://www.whatsoproudlywehail.org/wp‐content/
uploads/2013/05/Reagan_‐Remarks‐at‐a‐Flag‐Day‐
Ceremony.pdf

Ideas for celebra ng Independence Day
h p://www.factmonster.com/spot/
independenceday1.html

History of Veteran’s Day
h p://www.history.army.mil/html/reference/holidays/
vetsday/vetshist.html

History of Thanksgiving
h p://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving
\ÅÑÜxáá|äx?
Interesting, and
Has Heart!
Provided on this page are a variety of website re‐
sources to help you gain ideas and inspira on for
recogni on, special occasion celebra ons and flag
ceremonies. Some of these resources may be ap‐
propriate for training with youth or volunteers
while others may provide informa on for wri ng a
ceremony.
Resources for Flag Raising and Lowering Ceremonies

VFW provides informa on on Flag Ceremony Procedures
h p://vfw12024.org/Flagprocedures.asp

Flag E que e — This website provides informa on for
raising and lowering the flag, outdoor ceremonies, indoor
ceremonies and more.
h p://www.usflag.org/flage que e.html

Betsy Ross website: Flag Rules and Regula ons
h p://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm

Procedures for Folding the Flag
h p://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html

Texas 4‐H: Club Ed Resources — this website provides
numerous resources not only for flag ceremonies but also
for officer installa on scripts, and more. In the Club Ed
materials by month (4 sets available), there is a flag cere‐
mony included in each month’s materials.
h p://texas4‐h.tamu.edu/volunteer_clubed/

Illinois Extension — Ceremony samples, including installa‐
ons, flag ceremonies, and a variety of other topics
h p://urbanext.illinois.edu/ceremonies/index.cfm
Resources for RecogniƟon Ideas

100 Ways to Recognize — This document was put to‐
gether by a college residence hall associa on but has
some fun and crea ve ideas for recogni on.
h ps://www2.uwstout.edu/content/housing/nrhh/
documents/101_ways.pdf

Way To Go: Ideas for Volunteer Recogni on was put
together by Louisiana 4‐H —
h ps://www.lsuagcenter.com/MCMS/RelatedFiles/%
7BF20DA153‐16F7‐45DA‐A4F8‐1AAC5CEBFCC4%7D/
Way+to+Go+Recogni on+GuideMargin.pdf

Indiana 4‐H — 139 Ways to Say “Thank You” and Recog‐
nize Volunteers
h ps://www.four‐h.purdue.edu/downloads/ext_ed/
pdf/131and139.pdf

Points of Light Website — Na onal Volunteer Week
(April) h p://www.pointsoflight.org/signature‐events/
na onal‐volunteer‐week
Reinventing Ceremonies, Part 2
Flag Ceremony Commands
RAISING FLAGS






Please remove all caps and sunglasses
Color Guard Advance
Color Guard Post Your Colors (do this if there are flag
poles to raise flags on or flag stands to place flags on a
stage)
Begin Reading Ceremony while Colors are Posted
Do Pledge of Allegiance 1st, Oklahoma Pledge 2nd (if an
Oklahoma flag is available) and 4‐H Mo o and Pledge 3rd.
Color Guard Dismissed
LOWERING FLAGS






Please remove all caps and sunglasses
Color Guard Advance
Color Guard Retrieve Your Colors (from flag poles and
fold flags properly; from flag stands if indoors)
Begin Reading Ceremony while Colors are retrieved
Pledges can be done again when lowering flags but not
required – Do Pledge of Allegiance 1st, Oklahoma Pledge
2nd (if an Oklahoma flag is available) and 4‐H Mo o and
Pledge 3rd.
Color Guard Dismissed
I am worshipped. I am saluted. I am loved. I am revered. I am
respected and I am feared.
I have fought in every ba le of every war for more then 200
years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Ge ysburg, Shiloh and Ap‐
poma ox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Nor‐
mandy, Guam, Okinawa. The people of Korea, Vietnam and
Kuwait know me as a banner of freedom.
I was there. I led my troops. I was dirty, ba le‐worn and red,
but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have been
burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have
helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the
uncharted fron ers of space from my vantage point on the
moon. I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest
hours. But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my
wounded comrades on the ba lefield, When I am flown at
half‐mast to honor my countryman, when I lie in the trem‐
bling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son
or daughter, or in the arms of a child or spouse who will have
to go on without one who gave their life in a na onal disaster
to save the life of another, as so many did at the Pentagon or
the World Trade Center Towers on 9/11/01.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY, LONG MAY I WAVE.
SAMPLE FLAG CEREMONIES:
These ceremonies could be used along with flag raising or flag
lowering. They could also be used for a special occasion cere‐
mony for Flag Day, Independence Day, or other events.
I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old
Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest
buildings. I stand watch in America's
halls of jus ce. I fly
majes cally over ins tu ons of
learning. I stand guard with power in
the world. Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and
jus ce. I stand for freedom. I am
confident. I am arrogant. I am
proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a li le
higher, my colors a li le truer. I bow to no one! I am recog‐
nized all over the world.
HONOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE
The American Flag...the symbol of our Na on is one of the
most recognized flags in the world. The flag represents free‐
dom, honor and duty to our Country and is flown as a symbol
of pride in our beliefs and privileges as Americans.
There is great symbolism in the colors that were selected for
the American flag.
The Red Stripes symbolize hardiness and courage — the har‐
diness of the early Pioneers; the courage of the common
working man. Through the blood, sweat and tears of the early
se lers, our Na on came to be a strong presence during a
me when there was much turmoil in the world. Honor the
color red through your personal commitment to figh ng for
the rights of all Americans.
The White Stripes signify purity and innocence — the purity of
the idealists who believe that each person is a Child of God,
and the innocence that strives for his right to be here. Every
person comes into this world with pure ideals. Honor the
color white by working to stand behind the pure ideals on
which our Country was founded.
Reinventing Ceremonies, Part 2
The blue field represents vigilance, perseverance, and jus ce
— the vigilance to protect man's freedoms, the perseverance
that rejects all defeat, and jus ce, the goal of free men eve‐
rywhere. Honor the color blue by commi ng yourself to
being vigilant in defending our freedom, and persevere as
you fight for jus ce on a daily basis.
The stars unified on the field of blue embrace the fi y states
as one...unified for the good of mankind and country . The
fi y stars represent our fi y states and the unity under which
our country is founded. Honor the blue field and fi y stars
by standing united as a proud American under our flag.
Red, white and blue...honor her, defend her and celebrate
her and the freedom she represents.
THIS IS YOUR FLAG
This is your flag! It was first raised on June 14, 1777. It is far
more than a piece of cloth having a design of stars and
stripes. It symbolizes the greatest Na on of earth.
It has been the refuge of millions of oppressed people from
everywhere. It has stood for freedom from want and fear.
Li ed high, it has ever been an emblem of inspira on. For
this Flag the American Patriots gave their lives and their for‐
tunes.
Following this Flag, our sons and brothers have marched into
ba le from Valley Forge to the muddy swamps of Vietnam.
Underneath this Flag came your silent Honored Dead to their
final res ng place. This Flag has flown in both peace and war,
bi er strife and frui ul prosperity; For over 200 years it has
been loved and respected.
As "Old Glory" ripples from her standard. Look at her with
renewed allegiance: honor her, respect her, and defend her,
if need be, with your lives and fortunes. Never let her ene‐
mies, from without or within, tear her down in shameful de‐
feat, lest she never rise again.
Kindle anew those fires of patrio sm which are born of the
spirit of democracy. Let us commit to keeping peace, free‐
dom, and equal opportunity for all mankind.
This is YOUR flag. Let your heart salute her!
SAMPLE INSTALLATION CEREMONIES
MONOPOLY GAME OFFICER INSTALLATION
Assembled here are the 2015‐16 Clover County Officers. For
the next year, these officers will have a monopoly on the
Clover County 4‐H program. Like the game of Monopoly it‐
self, the administra on of a successful county is a series of
advances and setbacks, but if there is a sense of direc on
and purpose, if there is planning ahead...the opportunity to
succeed is always present. If these officers play their game
well, everyone will be a
winner.
As you can see I’ve brought
the game of Monopoly with
me tonight, and I am going
to give each of you a part of
the game as a reminder of
your officer du es. Each of
you will only receive one
piece that best depicts your
responsibili es to the coun‐
ty officer team. And, most importantly, by each of you hav‐
ing only one piece, you will have to play together!
PRESIDENT (Playing Board & Dice): As the administra ve
head of the county, the president will work to keep his/her
players all moving in the same direc on toward a common
goal. In Monopoly, this is achieved by virtue of the playing
board and dice...a fi ng symbol of the president’s purpose.
It is the President’s duty to lay the groundwork for the com‐
ing year, bring all the game pieces together and “get things
rolling.”
VICE PRESIDENT (Playing pieces): The game is nothing with‐
out players and a county must have players in order to exist.
We call them members. As the officer responsible for keep‐
ing members on the risers, your symbol is that which repre‐
sents players in the game...the playing pieces that are some‐
mes referred to as “men.” What more can be said? With‐
out enough men to play, the game will not be as much fun.
Without enough members, the county will not be as opera‐
ve.
SECRETARY (Property Cards): An officer team’s wri en rec‐
ords are important and it’s the secretary who keeps these
Reinventing Ceremonies, Part 2
records in order. He/she keeps track of the team’s property
and ac vity and is a key person in a healthy organiza on. In
Monopoly, the proper es are represented by “property
cards”...the symbol of this vital office in any county...and a
reminder that accurate records must be kept and corre‐
spondence a ended to as needed.
TREASURER (Money): This is the most
appropriate of all. To the person who
keeps track of the money that comes
in and the money that goes out. Mo‐
nopoly has a suitable symbol for this
office...the “money.” But, of course, you must handle it wise‐
ly. It’s all you’ll have for the en re year. And, with all the
ac vi es planned, you must budget it prudently.
RECREATION LEADER (Community Chest & Chance Cards): A
good organiza on provides its members with opportuni es
to have fun together. These extra ac vi es are planned by
the recrea on leader. In Monopoly, the extra opportuni es
to have fun are provided by the “Chance” and “Community
Chest” cards. These, then, are suitable of the Recrea on
Leader office. These are presented to you as a reminder to
offer various opportuni es to the membership.
REPORTER (Game Box): If all the pieces of the game are
present, the game can be played and everyone will have fun.
All together, they form a neat li le package presented to the
general public. A sturdy box keeps the pieces from ge ng
lost along the way. The reporter is who keeps it all togeth‐
er...like the box does in Monopoly...and presents the pack‐
age that others see! So, to the reporter goes the box the
game comes in. Others will love 4‐H even more when we
present them with a neat package of ac vi es, networking
and learning opportuni es.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS (Houses and Hotels): Because there is
always a need for addi onal opportuni es to succeed, the
officers are complimented by other players. The contribu‐
ons of commi ees increase the effec veness of the Execu‐
ve Commi ee. In Monopoly, we increase our success by
adding hotels and houses...so these become the symbols for
the addi onal leadership opportuni es available to other
members. With more property, and more exper se pulled
together, the results are always be er!
Occasionally, there may be a dispute, or the game will bog
down and cease to be fun and produc ve. I want to remind
you that you have help. I am keeping the rule book and will be
on call to give you a hand any me you need me.
It is an honor to be present tonight to install the officers of the
Clover County Officer Team. I am going to ask each of the
officers to commit him‐/herself to making Clover County the
best ever in 2015‐16. You are officially installed! Congratula‐
ons!
THE VOYAGE
Today marks the beginning of a brand new year for
_____________ 4‐H Club and I’d like for you to think of the
coming year as a voyage. The crew of the ship will be made up
of our new officers and they will serve you as we set sail into
new but well‐charted waters.
Our President will serve as our captain. Captain
________________ is well trained in
his/her work and can be relied upon to
guard the interests of this club with
diligence and loyalty. He/she will steer
our ship into calm sea with a dependa‐
ble manner and we will assure him/her
that he/she has the complete confi‐
dence of us all. Do you accept the du‐
es of Captain?
Our Vice President will serve as the Captain’s First Mate. He/
she/ will assist the Captain in all ma ers of the ship and, when
needed, assume the du es of the Captain in his/her absence.
Other du es of the First Mate is to oversee the programs on
the ship and involve the membership commi ee in planning
the programs. It is your duty to make sure the programs are
fun, educa onal and offer a variety of topics to keep all the
passengers entertained. Do you accept the du es of First Ma‐
te?
Our Secretary will serve as the Reserva ons Agent. He/she will
be responsible for keeping all records of the voyage in order
and distribu ng a copy of the records to passengers. Other
du es are to take roll as passengers board the ship for each
voyage and send correspondence to special guests who pro‐
vide entertainment or programs on the ship. Do you accept
the du es of the Reserva ons Agent?
Reinventing Ceremonies, Part 2
Our Treasurer will serve as the Purser. He/she will oversee
the financial ma ers of the ship and make sure that there
are funds to keep the voyage on track. He/she will oversee
the finance commi ee and make sure that the ship does not
go over‐budget. Do you accept the du es of Purser?
The Reporter will serve as the Dispatcher on our voyage.
They will deliver informa on
from the Captain to the other
ships at sea and keep the
passengers and crew of the ship
informed of informa on that is
received from other ships. Do
you accept the du es of the Dispatcher?
Our Recrea on Leader is the Cruise Director. He/she is re‐
sponsible for recrea on on board the ship. The Cruise Direc‐
tor will serve as chairman of the recrea on commi ee and
provide leadership in planning all recrea onal ac vi es for
passengers. Do you accept the du es of Cruise Director?
The Parliamentarian will serve as Naviga on Officer, making
sure that the voyage runs smooth and taking care of any
ques ons that passengers may have about the route of the
voyage. They will provide assistance to all of the crew by
helping to interpret the map for the journey and keep the
ship on course. Do you accept the du es of Naviga on
Officer?
Each of the officers of the USS __________ (insert 4‐H Club
Name) Ship have taken an oath to provide leadership for a
safe voyage. As installing officer of this crew, I declare you
duly installed.
**************************************************
Props to use for each office:


Captain’s hat (President)
Sailor’s hat for all other officers
THEME IDEAS FOR OFFICER INSTALLATIONS

Train Ride — use toy train cars and label each one with
the officer posi on. Use a conductor’s hat and red ban‐
dana for the President’s item. President: Conductor; Vice
President: Dining Car (programs); Secretary: Mail Car;
Treasurer: Ticket Taker; Reporter — Passenger Car (keep
membership informed); Recrea on Leader — Coal Car
(keep train fueled and energized during the trip); Parlia‐
mentarian — Tracks (keeps club on track and moving);
Commi ee Chairs — Caboose (guides the work of the club
and follows other officers’ example).

Western Theme — President — Sheriff; All other officer
posi ons are depu es. Use toy badges for a gi .

Puzzle Theme — Use a large piece puzzle (12‐24 pieces)
and group pieces into the number of offices needed. Glue
pieces together and place a symbol for the office on their
puzzle pieces. Frame each officer’s gi or mount on a
plaque. Suggested symbols for each office are: President
— gavel; Vice President — podium (plans programs); Sec‐
retary — pen and paper or computer; Treasurer — $ sign
or cash register; Reporter — Newspaper; Recrea on Lead‐
er — smiley face (keep membership happy with ac vity);
Commi ee Chairs — light bulb (bring ideas to the club).

QualiƟes of a Leader — Use the following terms to signify
each office: President — Wisdom and Decisiveness; Vice
President — Communica on and Persuasiveness; Secre‐
tary — Orderliness and Diligence; Treasurer — Discre on
and trustworthiness; Reporter — Honest and Accurate;
Recrea on Leader — Crea ve and Energe c. Commi ee
Chairs — Resourceful and Has Ini a ve.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. I have quite a
few installa on ceremonies. If you need a specific theme,
check with me! I may have it or something similar!