A flag ceremony is an important part of participation in the Boy Scouts of America. Flag ceremonies represent patriotism and show respect for all it stands for. This article serves as a comprehensive guide and printable flag ceremony script for a Boy Scout flag ceremony. With the help of this guide, any troop can perform an effective yet memorable flag ceremony in their upcoming events.

What is a Flag Ceremony?

A flag ceremony is a formal and traditional way of displaying an American Flag. Flag ceremonies are usually performed by veterans or members of the military. It is a ceremony of respect and reverence for the American Flag and everything it represents— including freedom and the opportunity for individuals to be exceptional and achieve great things.

Flag Ceremony Script

A standard flag ceremony script is provided below. This is a comprehensive flag ceremony script that can be customized as necessary.

• Will the troop and audience please rise, hats off.
• Color guard, advance (wait for color guard to reach the front and form a line).
• Color guard post (when the color guard is in position, they will come to attention).
• Present the colors (this is when the color guard will hold the flag in an upright position).
• Color guard, attention (this is when the color guard will come to attention).
• Color guard post (this is when the color guard will come to attention once again).
• Retreat (this is when the color guard will move the flag away from the audience and onto the ground).
• Color guard, attention (once again, the color guard will come to attention).
• Color guard post (once again, the color guard will come to attention).
• Retire the colors (this is when the color guard will move the flag away from the audience and onto the ground).
• Color guard, attention (once again, the color guard will come to attention).
• Color guard post (once again, the color guard will come to attention).
• Carry on (this is when the color guard will move the flag away from the audience and onto the ground).

Flag Retirement Ceremony

In addition to the flag ceremony script mentioned previously, there is also a flag retirement ceremony— which is a way of making sure a worn, tattered, or torn flag is respectfully destroyed. Below is a simple flag retirement ceremony script for Boy Scouts.

• Two Scouts bring the flag forward, unfold it, and hold it so it is properly displayed to the audience.
• If the flag has a special significance or history, it is suggested to make an announcement to the audience.
• Another Scout will fold the flag into a triangular shape.
• The Scouts will then move the flag to a fire safe receptacle.
• Once the flag is placed in the receptacle, the Scouts will salute and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
• The fire is then lit and the flag will retire with honors.

Conclusion

Flag ceremonies and flag retirement ceremonies are important parts of a Boy Scout’s journey. With the help of this article, any troop leader or scout can confidently lead a respectful and meaningful flag ceremony or flag retirement ceremony.