Honor Guard – FLAG RAISING OUTDOORS

 

Honor / Color Guard composition, roles and formation

 

                                                                  (Front)

       Flag Bearer FB                                      FB                    (leads guard and holds flag with tip forward)

       Halyard 1, 2 (H1, H2)                 H1                    H2       (controls the ropes / halyards)

       Right / Left Guard (LG, RG)       LG                    RG      (ensures flag unfolds without touching ground)

       Captain (CP)                                          CP                    (give all commands)

                                                                   (Rear) 

 

Preparation: Test the halyards for proper operation. Confirm direction of hoist to fully raised position. Practice.

 

Opening - Captain Commands:

  1. Say, "Please [rise and] remove hats for the presentation of the colors."
  2. Say, "Color Guard, advance!" The color guard should walk slowly to the flagpole or stand, halt, and face the pole or stand
  3. Say, “Clear the halyards!” Color guards H1 and H2 untie/loosen flagpole ropes (halyards)
  4. Say, "Color Guard, attach the colors ----------- [Troop] [Camp] Salute!"
    • H1 and H2 attach flag to the halyards ensureing the blue portion goes to the top.
    • FB, RG and LG ensure the flag unfolds properly and does NOT touch the ground.
    • H1 and H2 swiftly raise the flag and secure the halyards.
    • Audience renders appropriate honors: salute or right hand over heart. To the Colors followed by The National Anthem may be played at this time
  5. Once all halyards are secured and music concluded, say, "Color Guard, honor your colors." The color guard salutes.
  6. Say, “Two!” All participants lower hands after the later of either last note of music or US flag at peak
  7. Say, "Please place your right hand over your heart and join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance --- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Color guard does NOT participate in this but stands at attention and stands watch over the colors
  8. Say, “Two!”
  9. OPTIONAL:
    • Say, “Scout sign!”
    • Caller then instructs in recitation of Scout Oath, Scout Law, Outdoor Code.
  10. Say, "Color guard, return to ranks." Color guard marches back the way they entered, in an orderly way, and rejoins their patrol from the rear
  11. Optional: Caller then instructs attendees to be seated or proceeds with announcements, dismissal to activities or program. Alternatively, another leader – SPL, Scoutmaster, etc. may take over the group and instructions.