Opening and Closing Flag Ceremony Scripts

Copy, Paste, Shrink down, and Laminate these scripts so the boys can read from the card as they learn, practice, and perform flag ceremonies.  ... and did I mention:  PRACTICE!



 BASIC OPENING CEREMONY
(Have only scouts properly and respectfully dressed in uniform offstage, ready holding the flags. The US Flag is on the right, then State flag, then Troop flag on the far left. You may only have flag bearers, 2 or 3 scouts following, 2 in front and 2 behind, or any crisp formation depending on number of scouts in color guard.)

Leader: "Color Guard, Attention!"
              "Audience, Please Rise!"
              "Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart."
              "Color Guard, Forward March!"
(wait for color guard to reach the front)
(US Flag crosses in front of others to left-most flag stand, then state, then troop flags. Wait for flag bearers to move to the flag pole stands. DO NOT POST COLORS YET!  Also, FLAG BEARERS AND GUARDS DO NOT SALUTE YET, nor say the Pledge!)
             "Please recite the Pledge of Allegiance!"
(Silently count 1-2 in head, signifying 2 seconds of silence)
             "TWO!"
(Everyone drops salute)
             "You may post the Flag of the United States of America! "
             "Post the Flag of the Great State of [your state name]! "
             "Post the Flag of [Pack/Troop] 123! "
             "Color Guard, Honor your Colors!"
(Flag bearers and Color Guard salute the US flag)
             "Color Guard, return to ranks!"
(wait for flag bearers return to formation)
              "Audience, Please be seated!"


BASIC CLOSING CEREMONY
(leader assembles color guard in back of room or offstage so they are ready.)
Leader: "Color Guard, Attention!"
              "Audience, Please Rise! "
              "Color Guard, Forward March! "
(wait for color guard to reach the front)
              "Scout Salute! Please put your right hand over your heart if you are not in uniform."
              "Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors! "
(wait for flag bearers to pick up their flags)
              "Color Guard, Return to Ranks! "
(Scouts not carrying flags turn around so they are facing the audience. Wait for flag bearers to return to formation: US Flag is on the far right facing the audience, then state flag, then troop flag on far left.)
             "Color Guard, Forward March! "
(wait until color guard reaches back of room)
              "TWO!"
(everyone drops salute.)
              "Audience, Thank you for joining us. "
              "Color Guard, Dismissed! "
(flag bearers should immediately put the flags away before starting to play with the other guys.)