How do I conduct an Opening Flag Ceremony?

The following is an opening and closing flag ceremony that a Pack might do for a Pack Meeting:

FORMAL FLAG CEREMONY -- OPENING COLORS

Color Guard, Attention! (**when commanding the color guard, say the word “attention” in an authoritative way… like, “Aaa-tennnn-TION!!!!” – this will also help the audience realize that the flag ceremony is starting**)

Audience, Please Rise!

Color Guard, Forward March!
Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart. (**say this right away, as the audience will salute the flag as it’s being marched forward**)

(>>wait for color guard to reach the front<<)

Color Guard, Halt!

Color Guard, Cross the Colors!

(>>wait for flag bearers to move to the flag pole stands<<)

Color Guard, Post the Flag of the United States of America!

Color Guard, Post the Flag of the Great State of [your state name]!

Color Guard, Proudly Post the Flag of Sterling, VA Pack 1576!

Color Guard, Honor your Colors! (**Flag bearers salute the US flag**)

Please recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge allegiance - to the Flag - of the United States of America -
And to the Republic - for which it stands -
One Nation - Under God – Indivisible - and with Liberty and Justice for All

TWO! (**Everyone drops salute**)

Cub Scout Sign! (**Everyone raises right hand making the Cub Scout sign**)

Please join us in saying the Cub Scout Promise:

I, ........, promise to do my best,
to do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people,
and To obey the law of the Pack.

TWO! (**Everyone drops Cub Scout sign**)

Color Guard, return to ranks.

(>>wait for flag bearers return to formation<<)

Color Guard, About Face! (**Color guard turns around to head back**)

Color Guard, Forward March!

(>>wait until color guard reaches back of room<<)

Color Guard, Halt!

Color Guard, At Ease!

Audience, Please be seated.

=====================================

***FORMAL FLAG CEREMONY -- CLOSING COLORS

Color Guard, Attention!

Audience, Please Rise!

Color Guard, Forward March!

(>>wait for color guard to reach the front<<)

Color Guard, Halt!

Scout Salute!

Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors!

(>>wait for flag bearers to pick up their flags<<)

Color Guard, Return to Ranks!

(>>wait for flag bearers to return to formation<<)

Color Guard, About Face!

Color Guard, Forward March!

(>>wait until color guard reaches back of room<<)

Color Guard, Halt!

TWO!

Audience, Thank you for joining us. Color Guard, Dismissed!