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~ Troop 110 Color Guard Duties ~
by Rita Haskin
  

       Beginning in June 2003, Troop 110 added the position of Color Guard Captain to its list of troop leadership positions. Scouts who have earned at least the First Class rank are eligible for this position. The scout will hold the position for six months.

Leadership Development

The Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations.

Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the scout accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

Serving as the Color Guard Captain and performing all necessary responsibilities will allow the scout to develop and demonstrate his leadership skills. It also will allow him to act as a role model to other scouts, whether they are in Troop 110 or another troop.

Color Guard Captain Responsibilities

The Color Guard Captain will:

  • Take possession of the troop and U.S. flag and stands and bring them to each troop meeting.
  • Recruit two other scouts at each troop meeting to participate in the color guard.
  • Demonstrate for the troop and any interested patrol the proper way to fold the flag.
  • Explain what "half staff" and "half mast" are and when they are used.
  • Remind the troop to fly the flag for upcoming holiday and what the purpose of the holiday is.
  • Lead the flag ceremony at troop meetings and Courts of Honor.
  • Assist in training his successor.

While Performing Color Guard Duty, Scouts must:

  • Wear the class "A" uniform.
  • Display appropriate body language.
  • Behave and display proper skills at all times.
  • Demonstrate appropriate respect throughout the time they are performing their color guard duties.
  • Be available to perform at civic events.

Standard Flag Ceremony

Color Guard Captain:

  1. "Please stand for the Presentation of Colors." (Said before flag enters room.)
  2. "Scouts, Attention." (All Scouts stand at attention.)
  3. "Color Guard, Attention."
  4. "Color Guard, Advance." (Color Guard advances to stage or flag pole, U.S. Flag is first in line.)
  5. "Color Guard, Halt."
  6. "Color Guard, Post the Colors." (Color Guard posts the Colors. The U.S. Flag is the first to be posted, and the first to be retrieved.)
  7. "Scouts Salute." (The Color Guard stays at attention. Color Guard Captain and Scouts Salute.)
  8. Color Guard Captain leads Pledge of Allegiance. After completion of the Pledge, Color Guard Captain gives the Command "Two." Upon this command, scouts lower their arm smartly to their side from the salute.
  9. "Color Guard, Retreat."
  10. "Color Guard, Halt."
  11. "Color Guard, Dismissed."

Hard Work Flag Ceremony

  1. "When we think of American pioneers, we think of long, hard working days. Americans built our country with hard work."
  2. "In Scouting, we learn about the importance of work and service."
  3. "All workers contribute to the good of society through their labors."
  4. "Each year our nation honors all workers on Labor Day, the first Monday in September."
  5. "Americans celebrate Labor Day in many different ways."
  6. "Please stand now and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag in remembrance of the contribution of all workers in our country."

Flag Facts

  • The flag is also known as the "Stars and Stripes," "Star-spangled Banner" and "Old Glory."
  • The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies.
  • Red is for hardiness and courage.
  • White stands for purity and innocence.
  • Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Flag-flying Days

The U.S. flag can be flown every day. However, people often fly it on the following days:

  • Presidential Inauguration Day - Jan. 20, every fourth year.
  • Presidents Day
  • Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
  • Flag Day - June 14
  • Independence Day - July 4
  • Labor Day - First Monday in September
  • Veterans Day - Nov. 11
   

   
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