Retiring of the Colors (Indoor Flag Ceremony)

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Narrator (speaks from the front of the room) Actions (of the color guard) 
  • “Will the audience please rise?”
  • (pause until all are standing)
  • The color guard waits in the back of the room for the audience to stand and become quiet.
  •  “Color Guard, advance”
  • Color guard advances to the front of the room.
  • Wide aisle: all advance at once — Guard, US Flag Bearer (on the marching right*), Pack Flag Bearer, Guard
  • Narrow aisle: advance in single file – Guard, US Flag Bearer, Pack Flag Bearer, Guard
  • The color guard stands behind the flags facing the audience.
  • “Color Guard, salute”
  • All Bearers and Guards salute the flag.
  • “Color Guard, retire the colors”
  • The US Flag is removed first (just slightly ahead of the Pack Flag)
  • “Hand salute”
  • Everyone, with the exception of the bearers & guards, salutes the flag.
  • Cubs do the Cub Scout salute.
  • Audience places their hand over their heart.
  • The US Flag stays on the marching right* as the Guards & Bearers proceed down the aisle to the back of the room.
  • “Two”
  • Everyone drops their salute.
  • (Flags are put away.)

* “Marching Right” is considered the right side from the marcher’s point of view.

(from Ceremonies for Dens and Packs booklet 33121 & flag etiquette)