Opening Flag Ceremony

Please note:

The US flag and other flags (ie Pack flag or Den flag) start in the back of the room. The US flag should be on the right side of the procession and should never be behind the other flags. When they come to the point where the flags must cross, the US flag should cross in front of the other flags.

The US flag should be displayed on its own right, as shown in the diagram.

**The leader can be a member of the den (preferred), a Den Chief, or an adult leader.

Leader: “Color Guard, Attention”

Flag Bearers lift flag poles up and Color Guard prepares to walk forward.

Leader: “Audience, Please Rise”

Wait for everyone to stand.

Leader: “Scout Salute.  Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart”

Color Guard members do not salute or remove BSA hats.

Leader: “Color Guard, Forward March”

The Color Guard marches forward in two single file lines keeping pace with one another.  The American Flag remains on the right side of the Color Guard and 1 pace ahead of any other flag. 

When the Color Guard reaches the front of the audience:

Leader: “Color Guard, Halt.  Please cross the Colors”

The Flag Bearer and guards carrying the American Flag cross to the left, stand adjacent to the flag stand, turn, and face the audience.  After they have stopped, the Flag Bearer and guards carrying the Pack flag cross to the right stand adjacent to the flag stand, turn, and face the audience.

Leader: “Color Guard, post the Pack flag”

Once the Pack flag is placed in the stand, the Pack flag bearer and guards stand at attention facing the American Flag.

Leader: “Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance”

The Color Guard stands at attention facing the American Flag.  They do not salute, and do not recite the pledge.

Leader: “Color Guard, post the flag of the United States of America”

Leader: “Color Guard, salute”

All members of the Color Guard salutes the American Flag.

Leader: “Color Guard, Two”

Everyone drops salute

Leader: “Color Guard, return to ranks”

Scouts quietly form two single file lines facing the rear of the room.

Leader: “Color Guard, dismissed.”

Scouts return to their seats.