Opening Flag Ceremony (Outdoors: Colors)

“Would you all please stand for the presentation of the flag”

If you have an “audience”, such as at an Investiture/Rededication Ceremony (parents, invited guests, etc.), this is the signal that the ceremony is about to start.
 

“GS (or Horseshoe) Attention”

This is the signal that the girls should be ready to start.

“Color Guard Attention”

If the Color Guard has been standing “At Ease”, it comes to “Attention”. It is also a signal to be ready to start.
 

“Color Guard Advance”

(indoors) The Color Guard carries the flag(s) toward the front of the room and stands in front of the flag stands.
(outdoors) The Color Guard carries the flag to the flagpole
 

“Color Guard, Post the Colors”

(indoors) The Color Guard places the flags in the stands, the American Flag last.
(outdoors) The Flag Bearer attaches the flag to the rope and quickly hoists the flag, the American flag is raised first.

“Color Guard, Honor your Colors”

The Color Guard salutes the Flag and then returns to “Attention” The Pledge of Allegiance, songs, poems, GS Promise, are done now.
 

“Would you all please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance”
 

“Color Guard Dismissed”

The Color Guard walks to the back of the room, or away from the flag pole.

****************************************************** ************************

Closing Flag Ceremony (Outdoors: Retreat)

“Would you all please stand for the retrieval of the flag”

If you have an “audience”, such as at an Investiture/Rededication Ceremony (parents, invited guests, etc.), this is the signal that the ceremony is about to start.
 

“GSs (or Horseshoe) Attention”

This is the signal that the girls should be ready to start.
 

“Color Guard Attention”

If the Color Guard has been standing “At Ease”, it comes to “Attention”. It is also a signal to be ready to start.
 

“Color Guard Approach”

(indoors) - The Color Guard walks toward the front of the room and stands in front of the flag stands.
(outdoors) The Color Guard walks to the flagpole Singing Taps, poems, other songs, are done now, if desired.
 

“Would you all please join me in the singing of Taps”

“Color Guard, Honor your Colors”

The Color Guard salutes the Flag and then returns to “Attention”
 

“Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors”

(indoors) The Color Guard removes the flags from the stands, the American Flag first. (outdoors) The Flag Bearer lowers the flag slowly and with dignity. The Color Bearers fold the flag's).
 

“Color Guard Dismissed”

The Color Guard carries the flag to the back of the room, or carries the folded flag to an appropriate place.
 

REMINDER: Other than saluting the flag immediately after posting , or before retrieving, the Color Guard remains at attention. They do not take place in any singing or speaking. In a troop setting, you may just wish to say the Pledge of Allegiance and the GS Promise while the flags remain in the stands. This is perfectly acceptable.