Opening Flag Ceremony

First, some terms to know:

Caller:  the person who gives or "calls" the commands

Flag Bearer:  the person who carries the flag.  She is considered part of the colorguard.

Colorguard:  those who follow behind the flag bearer.  Their job is to guard the "colors" or flag


It is difficult to show positioning on a website, but I will try:

Caller

                                                    CG            CG
                                                    CG            CG
                                                           CG (if uneven # of girls in troop)

There can be more girls in the CG,

1.  Will the audience please rise/Scouts, attention.  The flag of our country.

(The first phrase would be used at an occasion when people other than scouts would be in attendance.  The second phrase is used for any flag ceremony involving scouts.)

2.  Colorguard, advance.

(At this command, they come forward with the flag to a position in front of the "post," or the spot where the flag will be during the meeting or event.)

3.  Post the colors.

(At this command, the flag bearer puts the flag in the stand or post.  If there is no stand or post, the flag bearer can hand the flag to the caller or an adult standing next to the caller.)

4.  Colorguard, salute.

(This is the opportunity for the colorguard to honor the flag.  At this command, they put their hand over their heart and then return it to their side.  Nothing is said.   The colorguard does NOT say the Pledge or put their hand over their heart during the Pledge.  They do NOT say the Promise, either.)

5.  We will now say the Pledge of Allegiance.

(The caller begins this.  If all the girls are in the colorguard, then the leaders will say it with the caller.  A minimum of three can be in the CG (flag bearer & 2 CG), if you want the rest of the girls to be the "audience."

6.  We will now say the Girl Scout Promise.

(This is optional at a flag ceremony.  I put it in so the girls would have a regular opportunity to say and learn it.  Again, the CG does NOT say this nor put their three fingers up.)

7.  Colorguard, open rank.

(At this command, the flag bearer turns around (her back to the flag) and faces out.   The CG turn to face the CG with whom they were shoulder to shoulder.) 

8.  Colorguard, dismissed.

(The flag bearer than proceeds out through the CG.  As she passes each twosome, the CG turns and follows - keeping the formation.  They continue until they are beyond the audience.)     

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