The opening of many meetings is a flag ceremony. Has your unit practiced it? Should an opening prayer come before the flag ceremony? Yes, think about the Scout Oath (“God and Country”). Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Outdoor Code. How many non-scout adults in America know how to properly fold the flag? Only 4 to 5% depending on location. Ask yourself, how many former scouts can still fold a flag? All of them? We never just burn flags in scouts. We respectfully retire them by cremation. If the flag touches the ground it’s only accidental or at worst disrespectful. It’s not time to run, and get the matches. Troops and Packs, most parents don’t know all the parts of a flag ceremony. So don’t freak out if it goes off wrong. As long as it’s respectful and you don’t point out mistakes then it’s all good. I was told by a leader that they had a parent tell them that they only get to recite the pledge (Pledge of Allegiance) at Scout meetings.

• 🌐 How to Display the American Flag: https://www.usa.gov/flag
• 🌐 The “FLAG CODE”: https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/usflag/us.code36.html
• 📄 Correct Method of Folding the United States Flag: https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagfold.pdf