Miscellaneous Ceremony

VERSION C:

CALLER: "COLOR GUARD RETRIEVE (Lower the flag overhead. Audience stands.)

CALLER: "COLOR GUARD ADVANCE" (Color Guards bring the flag into the fire circle, holding it overhead by the four corners.)

CALLER: "COLOR GUARD PRESENT THE COLORS

While the guard holds the flag, the cutter removes the holding band and drops it into the fire. The Scout then cuts the blue field from the stripes and places the field into the fire.

While this field burns, the reader explains the symbolism of the blue color and the 50 stars. Wait silently until the blue is almost consumed. The cutter cuts the stripes into two pieces and these are placed into the fire. The reader explains the symbolism of the red and white colors and the meaning of the 13 stripes. Wait silently until the stripes are almost consumed. Then the group is seated. Color Guards remain at attention.

BLUE IS FOR VALOR

THE BLUE FIELD IS FOR THE UNION

THE STARS REPRESENT THE STATES

RED IS FOR THE BLOOD OF OUR SOLDIERS AND SAILORS

WHITE IS FOR PATRIOTISM

THE STRIPES ARE FOR THE ORIGINAL COLONIES

READER: Each person or group bears the name of one of the original 13 states, each one has something to say about it's state. Let us begin with Delaware, who was the first to sign the constitution. (Proceed) Please join us in singing "AMERICA"

READER:

A is for the Allegiance which we pledge to our country, for the American Revolution - fought to win freedom.

M is for Magnificence of our land from sea to shining sea.

E is for Equality, which we strive to offer to all people.

R is for Respect for our country and its flag.

I is for Inalienable Rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

C is for Citizenship the responsibility of each person to keep our nation free.

A is for America, the greatest nation on this earth. May we stand proud under the Red, White, and Blue.

READER: We will now hum the Battle Hymn of the Republic. While the group hums, the reader will read the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln.

Color Guard Dismissed