US Flag Etiquette

1. The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The Flag is always raised quickly but lowered slowly.
   
2. When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
   
3. When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.
   
4. When used in a parade or with marchers, the flag should be to the right of them. The flag may be centered in front of other flags or carried to their right. All should face the flag and salute.
   
5. To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart.
   
6. The flag is to be flown at half-staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
   
7. No other flag ever should be placed above it.
   
8. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing.
   
9. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
   
10. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Pack 457 OPENING FLAG CEREMONY

May I have your attention please! (spoken to the audience)

Color guard, present the colors!  Or Color guard advance!
    Remember that the US Flag is marched on the right but placed at the audience left (speaker's right).  

    As the Color guard is advancing, the individual giving the commands issues the next command, which is, Hand Salute! to the audience (the Color guard does NOT salute)

    The next command is Color guard halt!
    The Color guard then stops near the flag stand and remains at attention
    Any flag, which is being carried with the US flag, is dropped slightly

The color guard is given the command: Color guard, post the colors of the United States of America!  The U.S. flag is raised first in a swift manner.  If there is no flag pole, then the U.S. flag is placed in its stand before any other flag.
If there is only 1 flag pole, then the U.S. flag is attached to the lanyard first followed by the State and pack/troop flag.  

The audience is then asked to please repeat the Pledge of Allegiance

The color guard is given the command:  Color guard, post the colors of the Great State of Colorado

At the conclusion of the Pledge, the command Two! is issued to the audience.  The salutes are dropped and the Color guard remains at attention.

The next command is, Color guard, return to ranks! The Color guard starts to the back of the room and is then commanded, Color Guard, halt! 

At this point, the Color guard is instructed, Color guard, about face!

The Color guard is then instructed, Color guard, at ease!  

The audience (Pack or Troop) is instructed: Pack (or Troop) at ease!

Notes:
The Color guard should walk in pairs, a guard on the left of the US flag and then a second line with a guard on the left of the State flag or Pack flag.  In a single line, the order should be, guard, US Flag, state or pack flag, guard. 

This is not the only way for the Colors to be presented, however it is the most common.  More details about flag ceremonies and possible openings are available in the Den and Pack Ceremonies guide from the Boy Scouts of America.

CLOSING FLAG CEREMONY

Please rise for the retiring of the Colors

Color Guard advance!

Color Guard halt!

Color Guard, retrieve the Colors of the United States of America.  Hand Salute!

Color Guard, retrieve the flag of the Great State of Colorado.

Color Guard retreat!

Two!

Color Guard Halt!

Color Guard at ease.  Pack 457 at ease.