Today is Veterans Day, so I know a lot of scouts will be participating in flag ceremonies. Many of our kids have not been exposed to flag etiquette before their first flag ceremony, so take the time to give them some basic instruction.
This is a very simple flag ceremony for Cub Scouts to use at Den and Pack meetings.
For instructions for closing, see Simple Indoor Closing Flag Ceremony.
Simple Indoor Opening Flag Ceremony for Cub Scouts
The leader can be a member of the den (preferred), a Den Chief, or an adult leader.
Leader: “Will the Audience please rise?”
The audience rises
Leader: “Color Guard, POST THE COLORS. SCOUT SALUTE.”
Scouts carry the US & Pack or den flags walking double file. (see the diagram on the right for formation). Those in uniform do a hand salute. Everyone else places their hand on their heart.
Leader: “Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance …”
The audience says the Pledge of Allegiance.
Leader: “TWO.”
Everyone stops saluting.
Leader: “Color guard, retreat.”
The color guard walks back out double-file to wait at the back of the room.
Leader: “Color guard, dismissed.”
NOTES:
- The US flag and other flags (ie Pack flag or Den flag) start in the back of the room. The US flag should be on the right side of the procession and should never be behind the other flags. When they come to the point where the flags must cross, the US flag should cross in front of the other flags.
- The US flag should be displayed on its own right, as shown in the diagram.
Why does the leader say “TWO” before telling the color guard to retreat?
Whoops! I left that part out. There are two steps in the hand salute. The start of the salute is “one” and the end of it is “two”. So traditionally in a flag ceremony you will hear “two”, often preceded by “ready” to indicate that it is time to end the hand salute.
So when you hear “two”, end your salute. I’ll add that to the post.
This comes from the military when teaching drill and ceremony. It is the by the numbers method of teaching in which a military person would hold or execute the numbered position of a movement. This allows instructors to evaluate each portion of a movement for the details such as hand/weapon placement, carriage, and excessive or improper movement, In this case the hand salute is a two count movement. Position one being to bring the hand into salute position from the natural lay of the arm when at attention. Position two is reversed. For a more comprehensive guide to flag history, customs, courtesies and color-guards you may refer to Army Field Manual Drill and Ceremonies FM 3-21.5 Chapter 15 which is approved for public release.
Instead of a military manual, interested leaders can instead look to the Cub Scouts cermonies guide (33212). Last I knew, I joined the BSA and my Scouts joined Cub Scouts, not the US Army.
What do you think BSA which includes all honors and ceremonies is modeled after?
I can’t thank you enough….I am such a girlie mom and was terrified when my church asked me to help be over the wolves. Your website is the PERFECT aid to the manuals provided by the BSA for us mommies that feel out of our element. This is so very helpful (entire website)!!
This is the most clearly defined procedure on the web. Thank you for this…
Can you please provide some information about the closing flag ceremony at the end of the event? Thank you so much!