Flag Ceremonies & Parades

Flag Ceremony Guide

Participating in a flag ceremony can be an inspiring and patriotic experience for girls because they gain the pride of knowledge and respect for our flag and its customs. Simplicity is key! When introducing flag customs to girls, keep in mind that the emphasis should be on showing respect for the flag rather than on the commands or techniques. Planning a flag ceremony is a simple, fun way to practice girl-led leadership, with lots of opportunity for taking turns and sharing roles.

Planning a Flag Ceremony

How will girls be selected to participate in the ceremony?
Who will carry the flag?
Who will be the color guards?
Who will give the directions for the ceremony?
What song will we sing? Who will sound the pitch and start the song?
Do we want a poem or quotation? Who will say or read it?
After the Pledge of Allegiance, will we recite the Promise and the Law?
In what order will we do all these things?
When should we practice?
Where will the flags be placed at the end of the ceremony?

Saluting the Flag

When saluting the flag, Girl Scouts use the civilian salute of placing the right hand over the heart.

When the flag passes in front of you, like in a procession or a parade
When the national anthem is played
When saying the Pledge of Allegiance
From the moment the flag is attached to the flagpole until it has reached the top. And from the moment the flag starts to be lowered from the flagpole, until it is unclipped from the flagpole

Outdoor Flag Ceremony Tips

To raise the flag, unfurl (unfold) it and hoist it quickly and smoothly to raise it to the top of the pole. Do not raise the flag while it is furled (folded).
To lower the flag, lower it slowly with dignity.
To fly the flag at half mast, raise the flag quickly to the top of the pole, and then lower it slowly to the half-mast position. When retrieving the flag from a half-mast position, raise it quickly to the top of the pole and then lower it slowly with dignity to the Color Guard.

What is meant by the flag’s “own right”?

The American Legion explains the meaning of the flag’s “own right” like this:

The “right” as a position of honor developed from the time when the “right hand” was the “weapon hand” or “point of danger.” The right hand raised without weapon was a sign of peace. The right hand, to any observer, is the observer’s left. Therefore, as used in the Flag Code, the flag and/or blue field is displayed to the left of the observer, which is the flag’s “own right.”

Source: https://www.legion.org/flag/questions-answers/91490/what-meant-flags-own-right

How to Display the American Flag

The U.S. flag stands for our nation and the shared history, pride, principles, and commitment of its people. The red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the blue section represents the union, and the stars are symbolic of the 50 states. When we properly display this powerful symbol, we signal our respect for everything it represents.

The flag shouldn’t be flown in inclement weather unless it’s an all-weather flag.

Flags displayed at night should be properly illuminated.

In a time of national mourning, hang the flag at half-mast.

When Displaying the Flag…

From your porch, place the union (blue section) at the peak of the staff.

Against a wall or on a window, place the union (blue section) at the top left corner.

On your vehicle, clamp the staff to the right front fender.

With another flag, place the U.S. flag to your left when crossed.

Keep your flag completely dry and folded properly — into a triangle, with the union (blue section) visible — before storing it in a well-ventilated area. If the flag is damaged or worn out, it should be disposed of with dignity.

The flag should not touch anything below it or rest on the ground.

THE FLAG CAN BE FLOWN EVERY DAY, BUT IT IS OFTEN FLOWN TO SHOW PATRIOTISM ON THESE OBSERVANCES:

New Year’s Day
Inauguration Day
Lincoln’s Birthday
Washington’s Birthday
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Patriot Day
Constitution Day
Columbus Day
Navy Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

Correct Flag Positions for Display, Procession or Parade

When carrying two or more flags in a straight line, the U.S. flag is on it own right. If the procession stops for the Pledge of Allegiance, the U.S. flag bearer steps to the center in front of the other flags.

The U.S. flag is to the right of a speaker.

When carrying three flags, the U.S. flag will be in the center front.

When multiple flags of States, localities, or organizations are grouped and displayed on staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center and highest place.

When carrying multiple flags down a narrow aisle, the U.S. flag is first.

When flown on the same flagpole, the U.S. flag is always at the peak.

How to Fold the American Flag

Honor the symbol of our nation by folding the flag with care and respect.

Opening Flag Ceremony

Indoors: Color Guard assembles at the back of the room (avoid having girls and flags pass through doorways at the start of the ceremony). Caller moves to the podium/position in the front of room.

Outdoors: Color Guard assembles outside the horseshoe surrounding the flagpole.

Closing Flag Ceremony

Indoors: Color Guard assembles at the back of the room. Caller moves to the podium/position in the front of room.

Outdoors: Color Guard assembles outside the horseshoe surrounding the flagpole.

Notes:

Assign roles based upon the girls you have present, assessing maturity and comfort level.
During a flag ceremony, the Color Guard is silent and respectful.
The American flag (and its flag bearer and Color Guard) leads all processions.
After the American Flag, the flag order is usually State Flag, WAGGGS Flag, Girl Scouts Flag, Brownie Flag and Daisy Flag.
When the sashes are worn: The flag bearer may wear the red sash over her right shoulder (the same as a Girl Scout sash), tied in a square knot on the left hip. The Color Guard may wear the red sash around her waist tied in a square knot left side. Sashes are a local council tradition more than a GSUSA tradition.
Carry the flag pole with two hands, thumbs up. When walking, keep the left hand low on the left hip.
White gloves can be a little bit slippery and hot, so save them for formal ceremony occasions.