Opening Flag Ceremony
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About This Opening Flag Ceremony
Scouts participate in a lot of 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 opening 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.
Printable Copy
Related Resources
Simple Indoor Closing Flag Ceremony
This is an equally simple ceremony for the end of your meeting.
A Simple Flag Retirement Ceremony
If you have a flag which is too worn for service, you can use this ceremony to retire it.
How to Fold the US Flag
Folding a United States Flag is not difficult. Even younger Scouts can learn how to do it.
The American Flag
Learn more about how to display and respect the American flag.
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