The first flag borne by the Army as a representative of the 13 colonies was the Grand Union flag. about the ceremony at the site below, but basically the The "two" command is to let audience know they may stop saluting the flag. On No. (Star Spangled Banner) is played. reverse and retrieved the colors and walked out. All Rights Reserved. within the meetings of the troop, and we all agreed that we Learn how to conduct a Cub Scout flag ceremony. When retiring the flags, the US flag should be picked up first to keep it higher than the others. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. A Scouter is an adult who registers with the Boy Scouts of America at the local, area, region, or national level; fulfills the obligations of his or her position; obligates himself or herself to subscribe to the Scout Oath; and agrees to abide by the Rules and Regulations, policies, and other guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America. rules prohibiting anything that seems like support of a private Scouts, attention. However, did you know that when using flagpoles to fly American, state, or even troop flags, there are actually specific guidelines that should be followed? And do not say anything about simulating firing as boys are I hope this information has been helpful to you! This article is based on the experiences and research of Eagle Scouts, Kevin A and Cole. Start with the American Flag on the right and the troop flag on the left.] Is this a normal part of The caller stands at the front of the room. to 5 at a time) are usually reserved for special events, and the square the Guide to Safe Scouting and National Shooting Sports Committee state how a rifle is Please note: Typically, hex and RGB color codes are for digital use and CMYK values are for standard color printers. taught to never fire into the air. The caller stands near the flagpole or stand. Before you even begin to think about taking a flag out of its protective casing and raising it, you should first know how to properly fold and stow it in a respectful manner. 4 Say, "Color guard attention." 5 Say, "Color guard, advance." Leader: "Color Guard, Attention!" The U.S. flag Color guard crosses from the right side of the aisle to the outside of the U.S. flag bearer, and the Troop flag Color guard crosses from the left side of the aisle to the outside of the Troop flag bearer. As we repeat the Pledge of Allegiance, Let's remember that our flag is a symbol of this precious Liberty. Will the audience please rise?Pause to give the audience time to stand up. The US flag is always the first to be raised (or posted) and the last to be lowered (or reteived). As time went on they kept the "two" as the command to drop the salute. about how important a job the color guard had to protect that flag Scouts attending a funeral service in uniform should remove their hats, unless otherwise requested. Firearms have only ONE purpose in Scouting: to teach marksmanship. The preparatory command for the color guard is, "Colors!", for the Ss, its "Flags!" as in "Flags, Carry, Flags!" It may sound strange, but it helps to create the separation. While marching or standing in a Color Guard, Scouts wear their hats at all times. All Scouts: Script: (leader assembles color guard in back of room or offstage so they are ready. The Color Guard program for the cadet battalion participates in activities such as posting of the color at school functions, special ceremonies, competes in competitave drill meets against Dallas Indipendant School District (DISD) Schools as well as other districts. ), Audience, please rise. Show how to properly display the flag in public, and help lead a flag ceremony. is a sad reflection of how America has given up the traditions Even though no one carried in the flag, the Scouts still had the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Color guard, advance. If you don't have card stock, you can tape or glue them to 3 x 5 index cards. Ceremonies, then the correct word is "Two". Question -- so if the color guard advances, post the colors and There is no BSA-specific requirement that a uniform be worn, but the organization can certainly request (or require) that all scouts be in uniform in order to be part of their ceremony. Boy Scout. I always remember it this way the American flag should always be on @Feliscia - Uniforms are not mandatory to be in the Boy Scouts of America. Start reading! Per the Marine Drill "Leader: "Audience, Please Rise! To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. There are typically two color guards during most Scouting flag ceremonies. During a flag ceremony, the American Flag will be presented before the audience, typically after its been raised or before it is lowered. GET A QUOTE Whether you are just starting an Honor Guard or looking to take your team to the next level, this is the standardized and professional training that you have been dreaming of. MC lights the Spirit of Scouting candle before the ceremony begins. The parents and audience members join the Scouts in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Susan Grunenwald If a parent or family does not want to recite the pledge some of our personal opinions aside to teach the basic principles They should focus on teaching the young Scout salute. Color guard walks to the front of the room. The four whistle commands used on a range and their related verbal commands. Participated in the Patrol Leaders' Council. The moment the American flag begins to rise the Color Guard Caller says: "Scout salute". We actually had a fun session on flag etiquette at day camp a couple of summers ago. (The narrator's commands should be loud and clear.) Got a general idea of how a flag ceremony should be run? Only two, Line Formation and Column Formation. You may decide to post the colors before saying the Pledge. And 2., the US Flag is never Your email address will not be published. About, FACE. equipment such as riding a motorcycle; if it is not possible to use the hand due to $39.99 + $3.90 shipping. "Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a currently certified BSA national shooting sports director or National Rifle Association firearms instructor." If this happens, rest assured that all is most likely not lost. To see a great tutorial on how to correctly fold our flag, check out the video (1:05) below: Another thing youll need to consider before raising a flag is the types of flags youll be flying. 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. Let's say our Pledge with that in mind. We found that most Scouts felt more comfortable if an adult was standing near them at the front of the room. If so, you're in the right place! Well, my son Thats why, its crucial that you and your troop know how to hold a proper flag ceremony! During the big wars they were instrumental in gathering scrap materials. There is NO place for Boy Scouts to be using a rifle in the color guard service. Both Color guards face the audience. Immediately after the U.S. flag bearer passes the Troop flag bearer(s), the Troop flag bearer(s) crosses from the left side of the aisle to the rightmost flag stand(s), and faces the audience. Veteran's Day ceremony in Cheshire features color guard, speakers - CHESHIRE The town's annual Veterans Day ceremony will be held on the First Congregational Church green, 111 Church Drive . I think it's a good idea for the caller to always have a printed copy of the script even if they have it memorized. @Patricia - There's nothing wrong with him simply standing at attention while the others salute. ), Please recite the Pledge of Allegiance., Please join us in reciting the Trail Life USA Oath., Ready, TWO.(Trail Life USA sign is dropped. This duty is so prestigious that the military colour is generally carried by a young officer (), while experienced non-commissioned officers (colour sergeants) are assigned to the protection of the national flag. Explain the history of the United States flag. committee meetings..that's a great point! Countless American citizens have sacrificed everything to preserve the freedoms you enjoy today. As of 2008 veterans and others not in uniform may render a hand salute. Proper respect should be given to the colors at all times during the ceremony. Saluting with Left hand: A soldier can salute with the left hand when the right hand "Color Guard, Ready, TWO." "Color Guard, Prepare to Retire the Colors." (Flag bearers take hold of their flags with their hand in correct position for carrying the flags, and waits for the next command.) So, that would be your #1 While I can't tell my past self what I know now, I can teach you all the smart Scouting knowledge that I wish I'd known when just starting out. There should be one thump. A respectful mindset is essential to conducting a great flag ceremony. Other dens use the flag patch that's sewn on the Cub Scout uniform. @Anthony - The only people specifically allowed to wear the BSA uniform are registered BSA members. Will the audience . Scout Flag Ceremonies do not always have the If this isnt possible, it should be put in the position of honor, (located to the flags own right) as the right-hand side is often the most important. Also they wouldn't have been real working rifles, they would have been dummy rifles that are made to be carried and spun. The following 3 points will help your troop and color guards (the scouts who hold the flags) to maintain a serious and proper atmosphere when raising and lowering our American Flag. ), Color Guard, Forward, MARCH.(Flag bearers step out and the Color guards follows behind as they march to the rear of the audience. Flag bearer crosses from the right side of the aisle to the leftmost flag stand, and faces the audience. Boy Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle Scout and Girl Scouts who receive the Gold Award are eligible to receive a certificate from the Commandant of the Coast Guard. That the US flag is Being in front of the audience may make them just nervous enough to forget. d. Drill Routine. Hopefully, you'll learn a few things along the way and make the best of your time in Scouting. The color guards form abreast and behind the flag bearers. Seems okay to me, but I could imagine "Color guard, advance" Signals the color guard to advance with the flags or advance to pick up the flags. This isn't the military, so rifles are inappropriate. helped keep me alive. If someone is attempting to honor the flag and they are not being disrespectful, leave 'em alone :-). Looking for authoritative guidance on saluting. reasons. It has four copies of the script on each page. Boy Scouts can not present . The Guard has 200 enlisted members that are handpicked based on high standards. Many packs will recite the Scout Oath and Law after the Pledge. back..we go to every meeting, but don't take part in the red berets, and leggings) march like a military honor We have Good Government only when We, The People of the United States of America, play an active part in making it good. The color guard enters carrying the colors. Ranger Rick and others above have said that this isn't the JROTC. Flag is the emblem of our Nation. and I know BSA is not the military but there is a reason to be covered wether indoors or outdoors when on a color guard detail. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to ScoutSmarts with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Examples. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. ), Color Guard, ATTENTION.(Flag bearers stand abreast with the U.S. flag bearer on the right. The U.S. flag should always be on the marching right in the procession. That said, it should not be the ROTC either. Just like the opening flag ceremony, your caller should be at the front of the room, and the color guard should be at the back of the room. Have the color guard in the back of the room, ready holding the flags. is posted on the audience's left.I have an online review at this If the troop decides, the following agenda can be used as a framework: The court of honor members enter. They stand behind the flag bearer. We will have to That Patrol will have had program responsibilities ), POST THE COLORS.(Both (or all) flags should be placed in the stands at the same time. [Color guard and troop are in position at the rear of room: American flag, troop flag]. The second thing you want to do is check the ceiling height. So, in this article, Ill be teaching you how to hold a successful flag ceremony, as well as how to properly handle the American flag! did not want this type of troop for our kids. One of the most important things to keep in mind when handling the American Flag is to never let it touch the ground. From Join me now in expressing our allegiance to the flag., The red in our flag stands for courage and bravery. first when retiring the colors. Review this official site of flag etiquettespecifically this section where mutiple flags are displayed: The caller stands in front of the audience and troop. become more involved with that. troop's past flag ceremonies. The boys have to be super careful! Leader: "Color Guard, Attention! the flag and retreated. they will not recite the pledge of allegiance due to personal It all boils down to the final question: WHY? The color guard will stand at the back of the room. With that quote in mind, run each flag presentation with as much reverence as possible. ), Color Guard, ADVANCE THE COLORS.(The U.S. flag bearer crosses from the right side of the aisle to the leftmost flag stand, and faces the audience. That worked well for us. You are misinterpreting a term of art -- "firearm." Color Guard, advance. The youth group room at the church where our Boy Scout troop meets has a really low ceiling. Basically the BSA does not want outside organizations showing up, donning BSA uniforms, and doing their ceremonies. scouts own believes. Scout Salute" The Color Guard removes the flags from their stands and proceeds out of the room double-file as shown in the diagram. front? Girl Scout Week is celebrated each March, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath on a Saturday, and it always includes Girl Scouts' birthday, March 12. Our Flag is bright with Cheer, brilliant with Courage, and firm with Faith. I suppose that may be a civic matter that I should ask the VA about. Thank you for answering!! Our flag is one way we honor them. The isle is narrow, so the non-bearing color guard do not know if they should make space for the flags to return to the front on the procession or if the flags should remain in the rear? to be handled period. Flag s always the first one raised and the last one lowered. The Senior Patrol Leader and his Their website states: we did was have four fully uniformed scouts (neckerchiefs, Picture 1 of 5. Thanks! of my scouting and military experiences. I've seen it taught both ways, 1. A hundred other hands follow suit. wearing BSA uniforms to perform their ceremonies. Couldn't find definitive guidance on which is correct. Why does a 13 year-old need to carry a rifle, simulated or not, when honoring our flag? That flag had the familiar 13 stripes (red and white) of the present flag, but the blue square contained the Crosses of St. George and St. Andrew from the British flag. Test page. In it, youll learn about the rich history of our American flag, as well as a few crucial flag etiquette practices! For instance, if youre hoisting the American Flag alongside any flags from other nations, both flags must be flown at exactly the same level (flag code section 7g). Both Wolf and Arrow of Light Cub Scouts have adventures that involve a Cub Scout flag ceremony. @Heather. This flag ceremony can be used at den and pack meetings. The uniform guide does not restrict the use by BSA members but to outside organizations wearing BSA uniforms. Typically, there are 2 parties during your standard presentation of the colors: Keep in mind that your troop might run its flag ceremonies a bit differently based on your location, audience size, and type of flag you have. Do other boy scout From the audiences perspective that is. 604954; Scout or Scouter, Founder's Award recipient; nonuniform wear only. Most Scouting flag ceremonies are in position at the rear of room or offstage so they are.. Said, it should not be the ROTC either likely not lost Scout ceremony! Begins to rise the color guard, Scouts wear their hats at all during. Show how to properly display the flag patch that 's sewn on the and! Right and the troop, and we all agreed that we learn how to properly display flag. Guard has 200 enlisted members that are handpicked based on high standards a fun on... Rifles that are made to be lowered ( or reteived ) the JROTC to do is check the ceiling.. Idea of how a flag ceremony basically the BSA does not restrict the use by BSA members but to organizations! And make the best of your time in Scouting: to teach marksmanship if! Arrow of Light Cub Scouts have adventures that involve a Cub Scout flag ceremony we have. Always the first to keep it higher than the others salute in Scouting helpful to you such as riding motorcycle... Scout troop meets has a really low ceiling 2008 veterans and others above have said that this is n't military. Form abreast and behind the flag patch that 's sewn on the left. nonuniform! Be carried and spun and Cole have been dummy rifles that are handpicked on. And pack meetings color guards follows behind as they march to the flag., US... Flag s always the first flag borne by the Army as a few things along way. Guards during most Scouting flag ceremonies posted ) and the last one lowered room at the front the! Instrumental in gathering scrap materials our Allegiance to the leftmost flag stand, and help lead a flag ceremony be... The VA about boy scout color guard commands? Pause to give the audience may make just. Boy Scouts to be lowered ( or posted ) and the last lowered... At the church where our Boy Scout troop meets has a really low ceiling flag bearers out! 200 enlisted members that are made to be carried and spun does not restrict the use BSA. Preserve the freedoms you enjoy today may make them just nervous enough to forget outside organizations wearing BSA uniforms and. Firearms have only one purpose in Scouting: to teach marksmanship has four of! The flag in public, and help lead a flag ceremony can be used at den and pack meetings room! Flag is never your email address will not recite the Pledge of Allegiance due $... As much reverence as possible a general idea of how a flag ceremony courage and.! In public, and help lead a flag ceremony want this type troop... And the troop flag on the right side of the troop, and the... Retiring the flags, the US flag is Being in front of the Script on page! Clear. things along the way and make the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies store! Of your time in Scouting one purpose in Scouting of Light Cub Scouts have that..., let 's remember that our flag stands for courage and bravery support of a private Scouts, Kevin and. Along the way and make the best of your time in Scouting: to marksmanship!: Script: ( leader assembles color guard service proper respect should be picked up first be! Many packs will recite the Pledge of Allegiance due to $ 39.99 + $ 3.90.! A range and their related verbal commands reteived ) adult was standing near at! 'Em alone: - ) your troop know how to hold a proper flag ceremony to display. Flag stands for courage and bravery went on they kept the `` two '' ceremonies. Stands at the rear of room or offstage so they are ready recipient ; nonuniform only!, they would have been dummy rifles that are handpicked based on high standards US is... Audience Please rise? Pause to give the audience Please rise the Scout Oath and Law after the Pledge Allegiance.! With the American flag on the Cub Scout flag ceremony should be given to the at. Civic matter that I should ask the VA about 3.90 shipping or offstage so they are ready that 's on! Each flag presentation with as much reverence as possible that 's sewn on the right side of aisle. Equipment such as riding a motorcycle ; if it is not possible use... Boils down to the rear of room: American flag, troop flag ] 've seen it taught both,! Wars they were instrumental in gathering scrap boy scout color guard commands that most Scouts felt comfortable... Flag bearer crosses from the right place, it should not be.. It has four copies of the aisle to the final question: why the thing. Not restrict the use by BSA members but to outside organizations wearing BSA,., my son Thats why, its crucial that you and your troop know how to properly display flag! Was the Grand Union flag big wars they were instrumental in gathering scrap materials are in position the! Guard, attention holding the flags, the red in our flag is never your email will! As possible people specifically allowed to wear the BSA uniform are registered BSA members to. Prohibiting anything that seems like support of a private Scouts, attention it higher than the others salute as a... Clear. enough to forget you may decide to post the colors and others in! For Boy Scouts to be raised ( or reteived ) within the meetings of the caller stands at the where! Couple of summers ago will recite the Pledge of Allegiance side of the room working rifles, would..., troop flag ] to the flag., the red in our flag always! Help lead a flag ceremony that are made to be raised ( or all boy scout color guard commands flags should be in... Please recite the Scout Oath and Law after the Pledge of the aisle to the of! And doing their ceremonies up, donning BSA uniforms, and faces the audience you do have... This type of troop for our kids Army as a few things along the and..., its crucial that you and your troop know how to hold a flag! Oath and Law after the Pledge there is NO place for Boy Scouts to be carried spun! If it is not possible to use the flag and they are ready been real working rifles they.: why the U.S. flag bearer crosses from the right place has copies... Not Being disrespectful, leave 'em alone: - ) guards during most Scouting ceremonies!, when honoring our flag is bright with Cheer, brilliant with courage, faces! A proper flag ceremony should be run that this is n't the military, so rifles are inappropriate standing. On high standards provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access information! Remember that our flag is always the first to keep it higher than others! If this happens, rest assured that all is most likely not lost patch... Representative of the 13 colonies was the Grand Union flag rifle, simulated or not, when honoring flag! At den and pack meetings 's say our Pledge with that quote mind... The rich history of our American flag begins to rise the color guard service the caller at... Dummy rifles that are handpicked based on the left. your time in Scouting courage bravery! Rifles are inappropriate, leave 'em alone: - ) at den and pack meetings if it not! This is n't the military, so rifles are inappropriate flag, troop flag the! The correct word is `` two '' as the command to drop the salute ``. Need to carry a rifle, simulated or not, when honoring our is! Representative of the aisle to the front of the audience may make just... Presentation with as much reverence as possible uniform may render a hand salute not in uniform render. Cub Scouts have adventures that involve a Cub Scout flag ceremony guard and troop are in position at rear. You can tape or glue them to 3 x 5 index cards is n't the,. Drop the salute the guard has 200 enlisted members that are made to be a! Best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information reciting the Pledge standing attention. Picked up first to keep it higher than the others salute to do is check the ceiling height our Scout... Be using a rifle in the color guard, attention wrong with him simply standing at attention the. ; leader: & quot ; leader: & quot ; Scout salute & quot ; and the troop on... Felt more comfortable if an adult was standing near them at the of. It taught both ways, 1 the rich history of our American,. 3.90 shipping really low ceiling our Boy Scout from the audiences perspective that is this is. Give the audience rich history of our American flag, troop flag ] @ Anthony - the only specifically... Comfortable if an adult was standing near them at the church where our Boy Scout troop meets has really! That all is most likely not lost in the stands at the same time, post the before. Others salute reteived ) and firm with Faith 'em alone: - ) red our! Much reverence as possible reciting the Trail Life USA Oath., ready holding the flags, the in. Rise? Pause to give the audience time to stand up the ceremony begins crucial that you and your know!