Retiring of the Colors (Outdoor Flag Ceremony)

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Narrator (speaking from the front of area) Actions (of the color guard)

 
  • “Will the audience please rise?”
  • (pause until all are standing)
  • The color guard waits in the back of the area for the audience to stand and become quiet.
  •  “Color Guard, advance”
  • Color guard advances to the front of the area in single file – Guard, US Flag Bearer, Guard
  • “Color Guard, salute”

 
  • Bearer and Guards salute the flag.
  • “Color Guard, retire the colors”

 
  • The first Guard unwinds the cord and waits for the next command.
  •  “Hand salute”
  • Everyone, with the exception of the bearer & guards, salutes the flag.
  • Cubs do the Cub Scout salute.
  • Audience places their hand over their heart.
  • The US Flag is slowly lowered while the second Guard makes sure it never touches the ground.  
  • The Bearer unhooks the flag from the rope.
  • (If the song “Taps” is played, the Bearer and Guard will hold the flag until the song ends.)
  • give this command only after the flag is unhooked (and when the song “Taps” ends, if applicable)
  • “Two”

 
  • Everyone drops their salute.
  • The first Guard secures the line to the pole.
  • The Bearer and the second Guard fold the flag correctly (Bearer holds it while the second Guard folds it into a triangle shape)
  • http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html
  • (As soon as the flag is folded into the correct triangle shape, give this command)
  • “Color guard, retreat”
  • Bearer and Color guard walk to back of area.
  • The Narrator follows last.

 

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

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