Flag Ceremony

A den is assigned to do the opening flag ceremony at the pack meeting.

The standard ceremonies follow. However, your den can choose to modify the ceremony by reading a patriotic poem or
reading or singing a patriotic song. There are books in the library with ideas. Just keep it respectful.

Opening Ceremony

One boy is the speaker, one carries the American flag and one carries the pack flag. The remaining boys are the color
guard, divided into two groups. Half follow behind the American flag and half follow the pack flag. If you have an
odd number, the extra boy is in the American flag color guard. The color guard lines up in the back of the room,
American flag on the right. The Cubmaster will call the meeting to order and introduces the den who will perform the
ceremony. At this time the speaker goes to the front of the room and uses the microphone if available. He should
speak loud and clear.

If flags are to be posted on a stage, the American flag will be posted on the audience's left. Since it should be on the
marching right in the procession, it will be necessary for the flags to cross in front of the room. The American flag
crosses in front of the pack flag.

If the flags are posted on the same level as the audience (the normal case), the American flag will be placed on the
audience's right. In this case, the flags do not cross.

Speaker: Attention! Will the audience please rise? (Wait until everyone is standing.) Color guard, present the
colors! ( or Color guard, advance!)

Color guard advances from rear of room with flag bears in front, followed by guards. As procession begins, the
speaker gives his next command.

Speaker: Hand salute!

He salutes and audience does likewise. Speaker's eyes should follow the American flag until it is in position in front of
the room. Flag bearers and color guards take position in front of room near flag stands. They stand at attention,
facing the audiences. The flags are held vertically.

Speaker: Please repeat the Pledge of Allegiance with me.

He begins the pledge with audience joining in. At this point, the pack flag is lowered slightly and full attention is
given to the American flag. Take care neither flag touches the floor. Flag bearers and color guards do not salute or
repeat pledge. When pledge is finished, the speaker gives the next command which is the signal for all salutes to be
dropped. The pack flag is then raised again to a vertical position.

Speaker: Two! (Salutes are dropped)

Speaker: Color guard, post the colors!

The American flag is placed in its stand, then flag bearer and color guard salute it and step back into place. The pack
flag is then posted; its bearer and guard salute it and step back into place.

Speaker: Color guard, dismissed!

Flag bearers lead procession to back of room, with speaker following last.

Closing Ceremony

Personnel is the same as for the opening ceremony.

Speaker: Attention! Will the audience please rise? (Wait until everyone is standing.) Color guard, prepare to
advance. (Make sure color guard is ready.) Advance.

The color guard should advance with the flag bearer going behind the appropriate flag and the color guard behind
him, facing the audience.

Speaker: Color guard, retire the colors.

The pack flag is lifted from the stand first. The flag bearer stands and waits for the American flag to be lifted. When
both flag bearers are ready, they proceed to the center and out of the room. The American flag should be on the right.
As soon as they start moving the speaker gives his next command.

Speaker: Hand salute! (Speaker and audience salute)

When the flags have exited the room, speaker gives last command.

Speaker: Two! (Salutes are dropped.)