Tool L-8
Presentation of Colors
The “Colors” refers to the red, white and blue colors of our American flag and the colors of an organization’s flag, in this case, the green and white of our 4-H flag. The “presentation of colors” is a ceremony that formally introduces to, and later retires these flags from, an assembly of people. 4-H clubs are often invited to perform this ceremony at county 4-H events and other events conducted by local governments. It should be considered an honor to be asked to present the colors. The color guard usually consists of two flag bearers and two honor guards, although additional honor guards may be used. The color guard receives its orders from the Sergeant-at-Arms. All participants should wear similar attire that shows appropriate respect for the flag. It is recommended that they also wear a 4-H emblem on their shirts.
Procedure
The color guard assembles at the back of the room facing forward. The Sergeant-at-Arms stands first in line followed by the flag bearers (U.S. flag on the audience’s left, speaker’s right) with the honor guards at the rear. 1. Presiding officer The president or other presiding officer goes to the front of the room or stage and announces: “The colors will be presented by the _____________________ 4-H club. Please rise. Will the sergeant of the color guard please advance and present the colors of your country and your organization.” 2. Sergeant Gives command: “Attention” and then advances to the front of the room and stops facing the presiding officer. The color guard stands at strict attention. 3. Presiding officer Signals sergeant to proceed. 4. Sergeant Turns about and gives orders to the color guard: “Carry Colors” Flag bearers place flags in holsters. (Grasp pole with both hands; raise flag; place pole in holster; place hands wide apart to balance weight of flag.) The U.S. flag is held slightly higher than the 4-H flag. Color guard marches to designated spot (everyone starts on left foot). Color guard halts together with a 1-2 beat. Colors are posted differently when placed on a platform (stage) than when placed on the floor. When both flag and speaker are on the same level the U.S. flag is placed to the right of the speaker. When the speaker is on a platform and the flag is to be placed on the floor (or at any point that is lower than the speaker) the U.S. flag is placed to the left of the speaker. The color guard follows the directions appropriate for the flag placement: 1
“Forward March” “Halt” “Post Colors, post”
Tool L-8
If the colors are placed on a platform the whole color guard advances to the center of the stage and turns to face the audience with the honor guards standing behind the flag bearers. Next: U.S. flag bearer and honor guard take 2 steps forward. 4-H flag bearer and honor guard take 1 step forward. U.S. flag bearer and honor guard face left. 4-H flag bearer and honor guard face right. They all proceed to the flag stands with the honor guards remaining a step behind the flag bearers. Flag bearers then place flags in stands and take one step back. If colors and speaker will both be on floor level the flag bearers move as described above but the honor guards remain in halt position – only the flag bearers move. If the colors are placed on the floor but the speaker is on a platform only the flag bearers move (honor guards remain in the halt position). Flag bearers march in a straight line with the U.S. flag in front. U.S. flag bearer faces right. 4-H flag bearer faces left. Both flag bearers proceed to flag stands and post the colors. “Present arms” “Order arms” “Center march” Color guard and audience salute, look toward the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone faces the 4-H flag and recites the 4-H pledge. Platform – Flag bearers only face center; march to the center of the stage; about face and march to position where they first halted. The honor guards fall in step behind the flag bearers as they march off the platform. When they reach the halt position the honor guards move forward so that the whole color guard is standing four abreast. Floor – Since the honor guard remained in position, they are facing forward while flag bearers are facing rear – so Sergeant says “Honor guard, about face.” They turn to face in same direction as flag bearers. “Color guard, forward march” Color guard marches to the rear of the room.
“Color guard, halt” Color guard halts and remains in position. “Dismissed” The color guard breaks formation and everyone sits down unless instructed otherwise.
Retiring the colors
Follow the same movements as above in reverse. Sergeant’s commands are: “Color guard, Attention.” “Color guard, Forward march” “Color guard, Halt” “Color guard, Retrieve colors” “Center March” “Color guard, Forward march” “Color guard, Halt” “Dismissed” 2