I Pledge Allegiance...

MORE THAN YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT FLAG ETIQUETTE

We do two flag ceremonies a day at Camp.  "Flag Up" before breakfast and "Flag Down" before dinner.  Each unit will have "Flag Kaper" at least once during camp which means that unit staff will be responsible for teaching your campers how to do a flag ceremony and then actually doing it for the rest of camp.  Don't worry, you'll get to learn how to do it and practice during Training Weekend.  

The details on this page for folks who are interested in diving deeper or who want take their flag knowledge and flag folding skills to the next level.

Terms Used in a Flag Ceremony

COLOR BEARER
The color bearer (or flag bearer) is the person who carries the flag.  There is one color bearer for each flag used in the ceremony.  At Camp we typically only use the American Flag so we have one color bearer.

COLOR GUARD
The color guard is a team that guards the flag(s).  Any even number of guards may be used, but usually four or six campers are sufficient.  At camp, if we have an odd number of bearers, the last one is centered on the formation.

GIRL SCOUT IN CHARGE (AKA CALLER)
The Girl Scout in charge is a designated camper who announces or calls each part of the ceremony.  Ideally they can make the calls without a script but at Camp, since most campers are learning, they use a script.

Other Flag Ceremonies

The traditional flag ceremony can be found in the Staff Manual.  Below are some variations if you want to "mix it up".

Recipe for a Flag

Flag Folding Script

"After seeing the same flag ceremony 15 times - I was ready to change it up!
​-Experienced Camp Staffer

Folding & Carrying the Flag

General notes:

• When the flag is folded precisely, only the union (the blue) will show and the triangle part will have 9 stars.
• The flag, when folded, is carried held against the chest with the arms crossed and folded against the chest. The triangle points up.
• Never carry a flag horizontally.  The only time a flag should be displayed horizontally is draped over a coffin.

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Folding the Flag

watch it done

Folding starts at time 2.30

Retiring the Flag

From the Gettysburg Flag Works...The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states-“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”  Flag Retirement is the term used to define the proper, dignified way of destroying United States flags that are no longer fit to serve the nation.

When Should You Retire Your American Flag?  It's up to you. Most people retire their flag once it has become tattered or faded. Keep in mind that you are able to wash and repair your flag to help extend its life. We recommend using a mild detergent on a gentle cycle with cold water. 

Who Can Retire the American Flag?  Anyone. The U.S. Flag Code does not specify any one person or organization that is authorized for retiring American Flags.  

​Flag Retirement Ceremonies  There is no one right way to retire an American flag.  The requirement is that it be done in a dignified, solemn manner.  Here are some good resources for ceremonies:

gs heart of the hudson

ceremony collection

GS of Western ohio

IMPORTANT!  Many flags are made of nylon.  Nylon flags should not be retired by burning as it can release hazardous chemicals.  Instead they should be buried.  First, fold the flag properly.  After the flag is folded, place it in a ceremonial wooden box.  Stand at attention or observe a moment of silence as the box is lowered into the earth.  You may also mark the burial site with a patriotic marker, but this is not required.

Fun Facts & Myths Busted

Did you know?

• There are 13 folds - one for each original colony.
• The triangle shape is because it's similar to the tri-corn hat worn during the revolution.
• The flag should not touch the ground or anything below it.
• The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
• The blue section is called the "union".
• On military uniforms, the flag patch sewn on a right shoulder looks backwards.  That is so that it looks like the soldier is running into battle and not retreating (see here).
• The colors mean something:  Red: valor and bravery, White: purity and innocence, Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice. (source)
• The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.
• The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest. In our case, our "salute" is our hand over our heart. (source)

It's a myth...

• That a flag must be retired if it touches the ground.
• That only certain organizations can retire a flag.  It is the manner that is dictated, not the who.

For more flag information, see the U.S. government's official flag website here.  The following graphic is from that site: