How To Plan a Flag Ceremony

Have you always wondered how to plan a Flag Ceremony? Whether you need to plan a flag ceremony for your scout troop or just want to have one for your family, we have a simple one right here. I have found that there are so many ways to have a Flag Ceremony. With my cub scouts sometimes we use different templates or outlines and the boys get confused. I was able to attend a training course on how to plan a flag ceremony and basically he said there is no wrong way to do a flag ceremony, unless you show disrespect to the flag. You can have the flag already in place or bring the flag forward. The most important thing for us to teach is how to respect the flag. 

Information taken from US.Gov

“Important Things to Remember

Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions. The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously”

For More Tips on Displaying the Flag Click Here. 

I love teaching my scouts (and family) the purpose of the color guard is to protect the flag. The scout holding the flag and the scout after him have to responsibility to protect the flag and guard it’s colors. They wait to salute until asked. They do not say the pledge as they are focusing on being aware of the flag and doing whatever needs to be done to protect it. It’s important to teach our scouts and family that our flag is a symbol of freedom and liberty. Men and women have given their lives for our county. And we can honor them and their sacrifice by having the utmost respect for the flag. I remind them that men and women who have served, either in the military or locally, would have their hearts broken if they see cub scouts being irreverent during the flag ceremony. The flag means so much more to those who have sacrificed for our country. And while our children are still learning about the beauty and importance of the flag, they should imagine how others might feel towards it by trying to walk in their shoes or trying to understand why the flag means so much to them. This kind of reverence and respect will help them in time grow to love our flag as well. 

Even our young children can learn to be quiet, and to do their best to be quiet, during the flag. Teach them the importance of placing their hand over their heart. Take time to teach the pledge and talk about what the words mean. This is a basic requirement for wolf scouts as they learn to take care of the flag. Also it’s important to practice walking with reverence before a flag ceremony. Being silly or looking bored isn’t respectful. 

Another important reminder is that American Flag should always be first and that it should be on the audience’s left. If your scout troop or family does not have a state flag feel free to omit that part of the ceremony. This topic would be a great family night lesson. You could go over what the words of our pledge mean and how to fold a flag. My favorite way to teach flag folding  is to first to learn the principal. We then practice by using a sheet of plain paper to make a paper football, as it’s the same concept.  (a great activity is to then play paper football as a family or troop. So make sure you use plain paper so it doesn’t resemble the flag) We then practice our flag ceremony.  My kids love being the commander and leading the flag ceremony. You could even add a patriotic song after the pledge. 

 

Cub Scout Flag Ceremony

“Color guard, attention!”

 “Audience, please rise!”

Wait a moment for everyone to stand and be quiet.

 “Color guard, advance!”

Scouts walk forward in single file lines.

“Color guard, halt!”

All flag bearers stop before the flag stands, evenly lined up, guards behind.

 “Color Guard, present the colors.”

 “Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance”

Commander says loud and clearly “I pledge allegiance…”

Color Guard remains quiet and facing the American flag, and does not salute yet or

recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

 “Color guard, post the flag of the United States of America!” The American flag bearer turns and puts the American flag

in its base, and the bearer and guard face the flag.

“Color Guard Post the Flag of  Great State of Arizona”

 “Color guard salute”.

All flag bearers & color guard face American flag and salute, Commander does not

salute.

 “TWO!” Everyone drops salute.

 “Color guard retreat”

Scouts quietly and form two single file lines that face the exit area.

 “Color Guard dismissed”.

“The audience may please be seated”

You could then begin your event with a prayer or choose to pray as a family.

I love our family flag ceremonies. They are simple and filled with the spirit. My kids try their best to be respectful and it’s great practice for school or a community event. I would invite and encourage you to have some time with your family by having more of a proper flag ceremony. I love driving around and seeing our country’s flag on so many houses. Instead of just putting it up, take some time to have a flag ceremony and maybe a quick devotional where you can share your love for our country. As we teach our children to respect and honor things that are sacred their gratitude will increase. Our world needs more love and gratitude towards others. 

Our family is thankful for Memorial Day and that we can set aside time to teach our children to pause and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Our Memorial Day Flag Ceremony is always the most emotional for me. I am thankful for all the holidays where we can pause and appreciate this great country. Let us strive to remember the importance of Memorial Day with our families. Thank you so much for reading and letting me share part of my heart. And don’t forget to pin this post! 

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