Performing an Indoor Flag Ceremony
Girl Scouts have a tradition of patriotism and upholding American values. Performing flag ceremonies is one way that Girl Scouts often celebrate their country, as well as the militry members and veterans who serve it. Follow the instructions below to conduct an indoor flag ceremony with your Girl Scout Troop.
Opening
We will use 3 flags: U.S., Illinois, GSofSI Council. When walking in, the U.S. flag will be first, followed by the state flag, then council flag. Flag Bearers wear a red sash over their right shoulders and tied in square knot on left side of waist. Color Guards may wear the red sash around their waist tied in a square knot on the left side.
Caller: “Please rise for the presentation of the colors.”
Caller: “Color Guard, attention.”
Caller: “Color Guard, advance.”
The U.S. flag leads. Color Guard stands on left of flag, or both sides if there are two girls per flag. Color Guard walks to display area.
Caller: “Color Guard, post the colors.”
Place the state and council flags into stands before U.S. flag. Try to post them at the same time. Place the U.S. flag on center stage. Color Guard should stand next to or behind their flag.
Caller: “Color Guard, honor your colors.”
Color Guard places their right hands over hearts and holds for two seconds. Then, they return their hands to sides.
Caller: “Please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.”
(Lead in Pledge)
“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.”
Caller: “Please join us in saying the Girl Scout Promise.”
(Lead in Girl Scout Promise)
“On my honor, I will try:
To serve God* and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.”
Caller: “Color Guard, dismissed”
Color Guard exits stage and goes to back of room
Caller: “You may be seated.”
Closing
Caller: “Please rise for the retrieval of the colors.”
Caller: “Color Guard, attention.”
Caller: “Color Guard, advance.”
Color Guard walks up to flags - each Girl Scout stands behind her flag.
Caller: “Color Guard, honor your colors”
Color Guard places hand over their hearts
Caller: “Color Guard, retrieve the colors.”
Color Guard removes the flags from stands, with the U.S. flag removed first.
Caller: “Color Guard, dismissed.”
Color Guard then walks to the back of the room with the U.S. flag in front and center.
