Flag ceremonies

Commands for a standard indoor flag ceremony

As said by the Color Guard Commander:

"Please stand for the presentation (or retiring) of Colors."

Said before flags enter the room or begin motion.

"Scouts, attention."

"Color Guard, attention. Advance."

"Scouts, salute."

The salute is called for directly after advance is announced. Scouts salute the flag any time it is in motion.

Color Guard advances to stage or flag pole, U.S. Flag is first in line and on the right side in relation to forward motion. If the flags must cross for the U.S. Flag to take it's position on stage right (facing the crowd), it should cross first.

"Color Guard, Halt."

"Color Guard, Post the Colors."

Once the flags are posted into the flag stands, the color guard salutes the flag and then stands at attention. When retrieving the colors, the color guard first salute the flags before removing them from their posts.

"Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance."

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.

"Two"

After completion of the Pledge, Color Guard Commander gives the Command "Two." Upon this command, scouts lower their arm smartly to their side from the salute. Meaning-- A salute has 2 steps: the first step is the gesture, the second step is the release of the gesture.

"Color Guard, reform. Forward."

"Halt."

"Color Guard, at ease. Audience, at ease."

The Color Guard Commander may direct the Scouts to be at-ease or to be seated.

Color Guard Commander's Cheat Sheet

Presenting the Colors:

  • Please stand for the presentation of the colors.
  • Scouts, attention.
  • Color Guard, attention. Advance.
  • Scouts, salute.
  • Color Guard, halt. Post the colors.
  • Will the audience please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • (Pledge of Allegiance)
  • Two.
  • Color Guard, reform. Forward.
  • Color Guard, halt. At ease.
  • Audience, at ease.

Retiring the Colors:

  • Please stand for the retiring of the colors.
  • Scouts, attention.
  • Color Guard, attention. Advance.
  • Color Guard, halt.
  • Color Guard, retrieve the colors.
  • Scouts, salute.
  • Color Guard, forward.
  • Color Guard, halt.
  • Two.
  • Color Guard, at ease.
  • Audience, at ease.