Flag Ceremonies
Why Have Ceremonies?
CEREMONIES have been in vogue since the dawn of history. They have played an important part in developing the romance, traditions and opinions of individuals, institutions and nations. Originally, they were of a religious character tending to express the admiration, awe and reverence for a Supreme Being. As time went on their scope of usefulness broadened to include features outside of religion itself. Knighthood, respect for womanhood, and chivalry constituted the elements of the ceremonies in the days of King Arthur. Plato led in the development of ceremonies which introduced the youths of Greece into the responsibilities of citizenship. The vigil of the Indian boy teaching self-reliance, resourcefulness and courage, followed by ceremonies, initiated him into the Councils of the Hunters, Warriors and Indian Chiefs. The scepter has been transferred from king to king in the elaborate ceremony of the coronation. The President of the United States takes his oath of office with an impressive ceremony.
Human Need for Ceremonies
Ceremonies have grown out of a desire on the part of the peoples of the world to express ideals in concrete form. Somebody has said that character is the sum total of emotions, instincts, and attitudes as modified by experience which governs the individual's response to a situation. We must, therefore, apply some other method of building character than by a simple, cold, scientific formula. We must create situations which are romantic, which live with the boy and stir his emotions. These ceremonies, through their appeal to the emotions, stimulate the ideals of patriotism, moral determination and spiritual aspiration.
Function of Ceremony
At a Scout Executive's Conference, Raymond Hanson, Scout Executive, San Francisco, made this statement,
"The primary function of ceremony is to organize the imagination, to emphasize fundamentals and to present in concrete form the abstract sense of idealism, which is inherent in the individual. Good ceremonials stimulate both thought and emotion, and provide a basis for an intelligent and sympathetic conception of one's duty to God, his country, his neighbor and himself."
Combining Senses of Hearing and Seeing
Ceremony not only reaches the boy through the sense of hearing but also through the sense of sight. Through action, the spoken word is written on the mind of the individual. For instance, let us take the word, "strike," one is passively interested, but if we use the word, "strike," and at the same time, strike the table, the impression is doubled. Or suppose, we use the words, "You go." If we point with the finger as we emphasize the words, it becomes doubly impressive. Again we may use the phrase, "May the Great Spirit watch over all." Add to this the action as taught by Indian Signs and we have increased the effectiveness.
The Boy Scouts of America has a two-fold purpose, namely to build character and improve citizenship. These are expressed in the Scout Oath and Law. They are supported by a program of advancement and activities in which the boy finds a keen interest.
Ceremonies that crystallize the Scout Oath and Law in the imagination of a Scout, that emphasize character ideals and citizenship performances, should have a place in the program of every Troop. Mere lip ceremony must be discouraged. Action should be the vehicle of the import of the ceremony. There should be a variety of ceremony to avoid monotony and the loss of values contained therein.
Quoting again from Mr. Hanson as to essential points of a good ceremonial:
1. "It should be simple, not too elaborate.
2. It should be reasonably brief, as boys will not sit quietly through a long ceremonial.
3. It should be based upon established rules of boy nature.
4. It should be dignified.
5. It should have unity of action.
6. It should permit a full participation; that is to say, every boy in the Troop, should have an opportunity to participate.
7. It should be thoroughly rehearsed.
8. It should be elastic so as to fit any situation in any Troop.
9. It should dignify leadership.
10. It should be charged with a Scouting atmosphere.
11. It should be inspiring and impressive."
Flag Ceremony
Every Troop should develop some sort of a Flag ceremony. Unfortunately, in some instances, the type of Flag ceremony used and the leadership of the ceremony have not stimulated the emotions of patriotism and love for country. Even if the Flag is of a cheaper grade, it can be placed upon a home-made staff and properly presented with color guards. Follow by either a call to colors or a verse of the "Star Spangled Banner." Lift the Flag ceremony out of the
mediocre and place a high estimate upon the boy's duty to his Flag and country.
The purpose of the Color Guard is to protect the flag. Because this requires full attention, the members do not participate in any part of the flag ceremony (singing, speaking, etc.), but stand silently "At Attention"
The Color Guard may consist of any number. Ideally there should be at least two Color Guards for each flag. The minimum is one Color (Flag) Bearer and one Color Guard
Color (or Flag) Bearer - One per flag, if more than one flag is present. Hold staff (pole) at 30°angle in front of body, or hold folded flag (with point away from body) in front of body at waist level. Is responsible for putting flag in, or taking flag from, stand, or raising/lowering flag from flagpole.
Color Guards - Stand on each side of the Color Bearer. Watch to see that the flag does not touch the ground. One or more members may assist flag bearer in posting/retrieving the flag from the stand/pole.
Caller - Only member of Color Guard to speak. Gives directions to audience and commands to Color Guard.
Line Leaders - Usually part of an outdoor Color Guard. Lead the audience into/out of the desired formation
"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.
"Scout Attention" - This is the signal that the audience and the Troop 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"
"Color Guard Dismissed" - The Color Guard walks to the back of the room, or away from the flag pole.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"Color Guard Dismissed" - The Color Guard carries the flag to the back of the room, or carries the folded flag to an appropriate place.
Flashlight Flag Ceremony
Equipment/People Needed:
Narrator (one, or more if your troop is large)
Four Flashlight Bearers (candles may be substituted)
Flag Bearer and Color Guard(s)
Color Guard advances with Flag and posts Colors. Lights are turned out so that the room is in total darkness. Flashlight bearers turn on flashlights (or light candles) and direct light toward flag.
NARRATOR: What you see here tonight represents the past, present, and future. The stripes of Old Glory stand for the original thirteen colonies. The stars represent the present 50 states. The light and warmth of the four lights you see shining remind us of the four great freedoms - Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion.
Eliminate any one of these freedoms and our world would become darker and colder.
Narrator calls out the four freedoms slowly. As each is called a flashlight is turned off until the room is again in total darkness.
Freedom of the Press
Freedom of Assembly
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Religion
NARRATOR: In this world of potential cold and darkness, of rule by a few, stands the United States of America. Here the Four Freedoms do exist and are an example of warmth and light for all. Will you please join us in the salute to our flag? (Turn flashlights back on and direct light toward flag)
All join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Explanation of the Pledge Ceremony
We often recite the Pledge of Allegiance without really listening to or understanding the meaning of the words we are saying. You can have each
boy recite a portion, then the explanation. You can also have the boyss put the meaning into their own words.
I - Me, an individual, a committee of one
Pledge - Dedicate all of my worldly possessions to give without self pity
Allegiance - My love and devotion
To the Flag - Our standard - Old Glory - a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts "Freedom is everybody's job!"
Of the United - United - that means we have all come together
States Of America - States - individual communities that have united into fifty great states - fifty individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united in a common purpose - love for country.
And to the Republic - Republic, a state in which power in given to representatives chosen by the people to govern; and the government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For Which it Stands - This is what our Flag stands for - Our United States
One Nation Under God - meaning so blessed by God
Indivisible - Incapable of being divided
With Liberty - Which is freedom - the right to live one's own life without threats or fear of retaliation.
And Justice - The principle or qualities of dealing fairly with others.
For All - For all - which means, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, it's as much your country as it is mine.
Other Ceremonies
The opening ceremony may be given a patriotic atmosphere by centering it around the flag of the United States. Troop is in single-rank formation. The flag is carried to the front; the patrol leader of the honor guard patrol leads the whole troop in 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."
Troop is formed by patrols in two lines facing each other. The flag is marched up between lines with Scouts saluting. It is halted at the head of the lines and marched about, whereupon the whole troop gives the pledge of allegiance.
Troop is in horseshoe formation, the flag in the center. Each Scout in turn steps forward one step, salutes and steps back--or all salute together.
Troop is in single rank. Bring Scouts to attention, turn out all lights with the exception of a single spot or flashlight focused on the flag. A Scout from the color guard patrol recites (doesn't sing) the first verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The troop then sings the verse and lights are turned on.
Troop, in line, faces a wall where a small pulley with a flag line is fastened. Troop comes to attention. The flag is slowly hoisted while the bugler plays "To the Colors" or the troop sings one verse of the patriotic hymn, "America," "God Bless America," or "America the Beautiful."