How to Present the Colors for a Flag Ceremony

The American flag should be allowed to fly freely while it is presented.

Whenever the American flag is involved in a ceremony, it is to be displayed in an area of prominence over other flags, unless another country's flag is present. The transporting of the flag to its display location is called "presenting the colors." Although no laws dictate how the colors should be presented, there is a protocol for these situations.

Instructions

1. Organize the "color guard," the people who will be presenting the colors. If the American flag is the only one to be used, one person should carry the flag with another person to his left. If three people are presenting, one should be on each side of the flag.

2. Position the American flag on the flag's far right if multiple flags are presented in a row. If an odd number of flags is presented, the American flag can go in the middle if it is positioned just ahead of the others and slightly higher.

3. Tell the audience to rise when it is time to present the colors. This shows respect for the American flag.

4. Order the color guard forward to present the flag. The one carrying the American flag walks to the center of the stage and turns toward the audience.

5. Command the color guard to salute. Once those who are not carrying flags stand at attention in a salute stance, the audience recites the Pledge of Allegiance. Dip any other flags during the recitation as a sign of respect and honor.

6. Place the flags into their holders. Dismiss the color guard.

References

• Tidewater Boy Scouts of America: Conducting Your Flag Ceremony
• Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida: Indoor Flag Ceremony