Participate in flag ceremony

While Tenderfoot taught you the physical skills of handling, hoisting, and folding the flag, Second Class Requirement 8a asks you to take an active role in a formal Flag Ceremony in front of your troop, school, place of worship, chartered organization, or civic community.

Roles on a Color Guard

Serving on a Color Guard is an honor that requires teamwork, crisp marching, and precision:

• Commander (Caller): Leads the ceremony, calls commands clearly, and directs the color guard movements.
• Color Bearer (American Flag Bearer): Carries the United States flag. The U.S. flag is always carried on the right of the color guard (or slightly in front/center if there are multiple flags).
• Unit/State Flag Bearer: Carries the troop, state, or organizational flag on the left of the U.S. flag.
• Color Guards (Escorts): Unarmed Scouts who march on the outside flanks of the flag bearers to protect and assist the flags.

Standard Commands for a Troop Flag Ceremony

Whether opening a troop meeting or presenting colors at a community assembly, color guards follow a standardized set of commands:

Opening Ceremony Sequence

1. “Color Guard, Attention!”: Color guard members snap to attention with backs straight and flags held at the carry position.
2. “Audience, Please Rise for the Presentation of the Colors!”: Audience stands.
3. “Color Guard, Advance!”: The color guard marches forward in step toward the flag stands or flagpole.
4. “Color Guard, Halt!”: The guard stops in front of the flag stands.
5. “Color Guard, Post the Colors!”:
   • The U.S. flag is posted first into the stand on the speaker’s right (audience’s left).
   • The troop or state flag is posted second into the stand on the speaker’s left.
6. “Scouts, Salute! Please Join in the Pledge of Allegiance.”: Scouts in uniform give the Scout salute; civilians place right hand over heart. The audience recites the Pledge.
7. “Two!”: The command to end the salute (everyone drops their hand smartly to their side).
8. “Color Guard, Reform!”: The color guard steps back into formation facing the commander.
9. “Color Guard, Dismissed!”: The guard marches smartly out of the room or returns to their seats.

Participating in Other Settings

You can fulfill this requirement in several public venues:

• School: Participating in morning homeroom or school-wide assembly flag ceremonies.
• Religious Institution: Presenting the colors at Scout Sunday / Scout Sabbath or civic holiday services.
• Community Events: Serving in a color guard at local Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Fourth of July parades, city council meetings, or civic memorials.