PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS
Commander: use a clear; loud voice to ensure everyone can hear you
- Scouts, attention
All scouts should stop talking and rise quickly from their seats; their hands should be at their sides, not in their pockets, and their eyes locked on you. Wait till the audience has stopped talking and has given you their full attention before proceeding. If noise continues, use the command, “signs up ” and raise your right hand in a scout three-finger salute, arm bent at the elbow at a 90 degree angle. Repeat the command if necessary. Once the scouts/audience have stopped talking and given you their full attention, drop your arm to your side and continue with the next command.
- Color Guard, attention
Color Guard has been standing at "parade rest" [legs apart, hands behind their backs or holding the US and Troop flag unfurled at their side] in the back of the room. At this command, they should bring their legs together, standing tall, while dropping their arms to their sides, ready to advance.
- Would everyone please stand for the presentation of the Colors
Wait until everyone is standing and is quiet.
- Color Guard, advance (Troop Salute)
US flag proceeds first at all times, troop flag trails behind. Troop flag should not be raised higher than the US flag out of respect. Remind Guard to be mindful of the top of each flagstaff, they should not be carried so high that they poke the ceiling tiles or other obstacles as they are carried and posted.
(Scouts salute while flag is moving)
Raise your hand to your head in the three finger position, index finger should be touching bottom right eye brow , palm should not be showing; left hand at your side, NOT in your pocket.
- Color Guard, halt
Color Guard should be in position to post colors into the metal stands next to the head table, US flag on the right side as it faces the audience.
- Color Guard, post the Colors
Wait a few moments until this is completed and the color guard returns to attention.
- Would everyone please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Start off, reciting in a clear voice, “I pledge allegiance… ”.
- Please join me in the reciting the Scout Promise
Drop your hand to the Scout three-finger salute, thumb covering the nail of your little finger, arm bent at the elbow at a 90 degree angle- lead it off, "On my honor... " .
- Tu
Release your salute; drop your hand to your side in a crisp manner; all scouts should do the same.
- Color Guard, dismissed
Color Guard return quickly and quietly to their seats.
- Please be seated
Color Guard Commander returns to his seat; SPL now takes over.
RETIRING THE COLORS
Commander: use a clear, loud voice to ensure everyone can hear you
- Scouts, attention
All scouts should stop talking and rise quickly from their seats; their hands should be at their sides, not in their pockets, and their eyes locked on you. Wait till the audience has stopped talking and has given you their full attention before proceeding. If noise continues, use the command, “signs up ” and raise your right hand in a scout three-finger salute, arm bent at the elbow at a 90 degree angle. Repeat the command if necessary. Once the scouts/audience has stopped talking and given you their full attention, drop your arm to your side and continue with the next command.
- Color Guard, attention
Color Guard has been standing at "parade rest" in the back of the room [legs apart, hands behind their backs]. At this command, they should bring their legs together, standing tall, while dropping their arms to their sides, ready to advance.
- Color Guard, advance
Color Guard steps forward and crosses to their station by each flag. Once they reach this point they will halt and remain standing at attention.
- Scout Sign
- Please join me in the reciting the Scout Law
Lead it off, "A Scout is,... ".
- Tu
Release your salute; drop your hand to your side in a crisp manner - all scouts should do the same.
- Color Guard, retire the colors, Troop Salute!
Color Guard removes each flag from its holder; US flag is carried ahead of the Troop flag; Troop flag is held lower than US flag. Guard retreats to the back of the room and halts - they remain at attention, bottom of each flag staff resting on the ground, middle sections pulled snug against the flag carrier’s chest/right shoulder area.
(Scout salute while flag is moving)
Raise your hand to your head in the three finger position, index finger should be touching bottom right eye brow , palm should not be showing; left hand at your side, NOT in your pocket.
- Troop Tu
- Color Guard, dismissed
Color Guard disassembles flags; return flags and stands to proper storage location.
QUICK GUIDE
PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS
Commander: use a clear, loud voice to ensure everyone can hear you
- Scouts, attention
- Color Guard, attention
- Would everyone please stand for the presentation of the Colors
- Color Guard, advance (Troop Salute)
- Color Guard, halt
- Color Guard, post the Colors
- Would everyone please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance
- Please join me in the reciting the Scout Promise
- Tu
- Color Guard, dismissed
- Please be seated
RETIRING THE COLORS
Commander: use a clear, loud voice to ensure everyone can hear you
- Scouts, attention
- Color Guard, attention
- Color Guard, advance
- Color Guard, halt
- Scout Sign
- Please join me in the reciting the Scout Law
- Color Guard, retire the colors (Troop Salute while flag is moving)
- Troop Tu
- Color Guard, dismissed