Opening

Opening Ceremony About Our Flag

This ceremony can get your whole troop involved. Two girls can hold the flag and the others can read their lines and do what it tells them to do.

MATERIALS:

• Bag of red paper
• Bag of blue paper
• Bag of white paper
• Some glitter or stars
• A large pot and a large spoon
• An American flag

CEREMONY:

1. We are going to fix for you, a treat that is really grand;
   
2. And make for you a recipe... the greatest in the land.
   
3. First we'll put in a heaping cup of red for courage true, (add red paper bits to pot)
   
4. And then we will add for loyalty, a dash of heavenly blue, (add blue paper bits to pot)
   
5. For purity, we will now sift in a layer of snowy white, (sprinkle in white paper bits)
   
6. We will sprinkle in a pinch of stars to make it come out right, (add stars or glitter)
   
7. We will stir and stir and then you will see, that what we have made is, (use large spoon and pretend to stir the contents of the pot, but don't disturb the flag)
   
   (ALL) OLD GLORY!
   

#8 & #9. (Reach in the pot and pull out an American flag)

(ALL) Our flag is the most beautiful in the world. Let us always be loyal to it!

Narrator: Two hundred years ago, God gave us a nation; a land of wealth and bounty, choice among His creations. We must protect its freedom, defend its worthy cause, and support our Constitution, which is based upon God's laws. We must pledge to be loyal throughout each coming year, and with God's help, we will know neither doubt nor fear. When we keep our promise to do our best each day, God will bless our country and us in every way. Please stand and join us in singing "God Bless America."

Everyone sings "God Bless America."

(Flag may be posted or enter it in procession, or scouts may be holding small flags.)

Narrator: Please be seated. (To audience)

First Scout: We're glad you came! We have many things to say about our love for America as we celebrate today.

Second Scout: Independence is a big word, and hard for me to say. But I know it means a lot to all Americans today.

Third Scout: Our national bird is the eagle. Have you ever wondered why? It may be because it soars above all birds to reach the sky.

Fourth Scout: The liberty Bell is ringing though it’s sound we do not hear. Freedoms of speech and worship, freedom from want and fear.

Fifth Scout: Without our flag of red, white and blue, things would be different for me and for you. It's a symbol of pride in the American way, so we should be loyal and true to it each day.

Sixth scout: Please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.

All stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance.

(If the flag was brought in during the ceremony it should be removed at the end of the ceremony while everyone is still standing.)

Adapted from Cub Scout Leader How to Book.

"The American Flag And What It Stands For"
American Flag is held with a spotlight on it.

First Person: Red stands for Courage, Valor and Strength.

Second Person: White conveys Purity, Light and Peace

Third Person: Blue represents Truth, Loyalty and Fidelity

Fourth Person: The stripes signify unity of purpose as shown by the thirteen original state

Fifth person: The stars represent our flag states dedicated to freedom and democracy

Props 3 candles: 1 red 1 white, 1 blue, American Flag, Dark room

First Person: (Lights red candle) The red of my flag is the lifeblood of brave men ready to die or worthily live for this, our Country.

Second Person: (Lights while candle) The white of my flag is for purity; cleanliness of purpose, thought, work and deed.

Third Person: (Lights blue candle) The blue of my flag is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled women (heaven)

Fourth Person: (All salute) My flag the flag of America, home of liberty, land of opportunity, where men of all races and creeds live together in peace and friendship.

(Leader) (Lights on) All stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PURPOSE:
A formal flag ceremony for Juniors and Cadettes.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Three candles, one each, red, white, blue
Candle holders (optional)
Matches
Five girls
American Flag and stand
Red sashes
White gloves

SETTING:
Indoors

CEREMONY:
You can simplify this ceremony and use the basic idea for Brownies. At the front of the room have three unlit candles (red, white, blue). Right beside the candles, have an American flag in a prominent position.

OPENING:
Four girls at the back of the room - Caller at the front.

Caller:

Girl Scouts advance. Girl Scouts present the opening." (At this time the audience remains seated.)

Girl Scout 1: (Lighting the red candle)
"The red of my flag represents the lifeblood of the brave men and women, ready to die or worthy to live for this, our country."

Girl Scout 2:(Lighting the white candle)
"The white of my flag stands for purity; cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed."

Girl Scout 3:(Lighting the blue candle)
"The blue of my flag stands for faith and loyalty, like the eternal blue of the star filled heavens."

Girl Scout 4:(Points to the flag)
"Our flag, the flag of America, home of liberty, land of opportunity, where people of all creeds and races are striving to live in peace and friendship together."

Caller:
"Will the audience please rise and recite "The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag."

After – "Girl Scouts dismissed - Audience may be seated."

CLOSING:
Candles are still lighted from opening. Four girls and caller.

Caller:
"Audience please rise. Girl Scouts advance."

Girl Scout 1:(Blowing out candle Blue)
"As I blow out the blue candle representing loyalty, may we always remember that a Girl Scout is loyal and a friend to all."

Girl Scout 2:(Blowing out candle White)
"As I blow out this candle representing purity, may we remember that our duty as a Girl Scout is to be clean in thought, word and deeds."

Girl Scout 3:(Blowing out candle Red)
"As I put out this red candle, let us remember to always be brave. We must remember to stand up for our rights at all times."

Girl Scout 4:
"Now that our candles are out, will you all join me in singing taps."

Caller:
"Girl Scouts retire."

Needed:
Narrator (one, or more if your troop is large)
Four Flashlight Bearers (candles may be substituted)
Flag Bearer and Color Guard(s)

Color Guard advances with Flag and posts Colors. Lights are turned out so that the room is in total darkness flashlight bearers turn on flashlights (or light candies) and direct light toward flag.

NARRATOR: What you see here tonight represents the past, present, and future. The stripes of Old Glory stand for the original thirteen colonies. The stars represent the present 50 states. The light and warmth of the four lights you see shining here remind us of the four great freedoms - Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion. Eliminate any one of these freedoms and our world would becomes darker and colder.

Narrator calls out the four freedoms slowly. As each is called a flashlight is turned off until the room is again in total darkness.

1. Freedom of the Press

2. Freedom of Assembly

3. Freedom of Speech

4. Freedom of Religion

NARRATOR: In this world of potential cold and darkness, of rule by a few, stands the United States of Americas Here the Four Freedoms do exist and are an example of warmth and light for all. Will you please join us in the salute to our flag? (Turn flashlights back on and direct light toward flag)

All - join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ARRANGEMENTS:
Flags are presented in the usual manner.
Twelve uniformed Scouts have speaking parts.

1st - My country gives each one of us the opportunity to advance according to his ambition. Education is for all. I am an American.

2nd - My country means love of freedom, faith in democracy, justice and equality. I am an American.

3rd - My county believes in the moral worth of the common man. I am an American.

4th - My country gives us the privilege to express our belief and opinions without fear of persecution. I am an American.

5th - My country has the best form of government. It is our duty to keep it that way. I am an American.

6th - My country promises life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I am an American.

7th - My country gives us a privilege that we shall protect and defend it even with our lives. I am an American.

8th - My country is and always shall remain the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am an American.

9th - My country offers a living Americanism which demands an informed, intelligent and active citizenship. I am an American.

10th - My country meets any need or suffering with its abiding love and loyalty. I am an American.

11th - My country is the servant-not the master. I am an American.

12th - My country possesses a Statues of Liberty whose torch shall burn as long as we keep it alight with our devotion to the freedom of the individual. I am an American.

Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.