While I’m sure that you are completely mesmerized at my drawing abilities, I hope the illustrations help get the idea across.
First: know the difference between posting and presenting the colors. Posting the colors is when the colors guard/team enters, renders honors and then places the colors in the stands. Presenting is when the colors team enters, renders honors and departs (called a “Show-n-Go”). This article is about the former, posting the colors.
The following is guidance for a DrillMaster Certified Ceremonial Guardsman.
Where to Post
Location. On stage at the back, in front on the floor, together, split. It’s up to you for your situation. You are educated and trained in various techniques to handle different situations, rely on that and as long as the American flag receives the utmost respect during the ceremony, you will be fine.
Together or Split? Again, that depends. Here is some guidance.
As long as the American flag is in the position of honor the whole time (in front or to the right of the other flags), aesthetics and visual balance are the big factors when considering separating posted flags or keeping them together (audience, camera angles, etc.). Position the stands with uniform separation either all together or in groups.
“You Got Odds, I Got Evens.”
You decided to split post, so now let’s consider the number of flags to post.
An even number of flags is simple to group when split posting, 50-50.
An odd number of flags is a different issue. How does one separate an odd number? In the example image below, we have a three and two split. Look at your flags with a logical view of how to group them. The example below might be all that you need.
American | State | City Organization | POW/MIA
What to Post
Post all of your flags. Try not to have one or more flags preposted and then carry in two for presenting and posting. If this might be the case, it would be better to prepost all of the colors (e.g. American, state, City, & Organizational) and then present the minimum (American and state) with a show-n-go type of colors presentation.
Think of it this way, having a preposted flag or flags is like having several flagpoles outside and having one or two flags already raised while you come in with the American and state flags to raise them on two other poles. It’s just not appropriate. The American in the situation would be the first flag raised on its pole and the American flag is always posted with all other flags (one exception noted below).
The minimum for the color team is three members, US flag and two guards. Two armed guards are the standard for the military and paramilitary (LE, fire, EMS) organizations, but not scouting programs, colors only for them. Rifles or axes are the weapons and the flags are
- The American flag
- Non-national flag
- Uniformed service flag
- State flag
Additional flags – the above is the minimum for first responders. Additional flags would be next: city, service (LEO, fire, EMS). Here is information on the POW/MIA.
Personal Colors. A personal or positional color is not carried in a color guard and must be preposted for a when the color guard will post the colors. No other military flag can be preposted and no civil/civilian flag should be preposted.
How to Post
See the article, All About Posting or Presenting the Colors.
Comments 7
Great -Thanks. Now the commands for retiring the colors please.
Author
That’s a tall order and I’ve been considering this for a while. It depends on the service you follow and the guidance is thin. It also depends on if you want regulation or ceremonial versions.
The color guard enters and either stops facing the audience or moves directly to the stands.
Bearers stand at Attention, “Ready Take” could be used to pull the staff out of the stand and held at the left side. The team departs together.
At some point, the team should present to the audience for a moment and then leave. I’ve never appreciated standing in front of a posted flagstaff, blocking everyone’s view, and saluting.
Concur with those commands.
Now, think about this one Drillmaster, before answering.
Issue: Veterans Volunteer Memorial Services Organizations that provide those Memorial Services for Veterans at selected VA National Cemeteries after the DOD withdrew uniformed service folks in the late 1980’s early 1900’s. Now on two uniformed service members are “required” (many times they do not show) to perform the US Flag Ceremony.
The Memorial Service Organization performs the 21 Rounds of Rifle Fire and TAPS. Question follows: The Memorial Services Organization uniform typically is composed of a White Polyester Shirt, Black Pants, Black Shoes, The NAVY Black Garrison Cap, Black Ascot, the Black Army Aiguillette (Chaplain) on Left Shoulder. Thus, if a Memorial Services Organization wanted to adopt a wide brimmed hat, like a Western Cowboy Cavalry Style headgear to protect from the Sun’s UV Rays, would that Memorial Services organization select a CAVALRY HAT with GOLD/YELLOW Hat Braid with Acorns for Cavalry or BLACK Hat Braid with Acorns for Mourning and Solace? WFR Thanks
Author
Mr. Reilly,
I have worked with several law enforcement agencies that wear cowboy hats and change the type depending on the season. I recommend straw for spring/summer and cloth for fall/winter. THe hat band is up to you and you can assign meaning to it, which I think is a very nice touch.
TY Drillmaster. We like to keep the focus on black to emphasize mourning and solace to the family
Greetings from Williamsburg Virginia,
I am a member of the color guard team for the upcoming Queen’s Jubilee. My organization is the Saint Andrew’s Society of Williamsburg. We are a Scottish organization. I have one question about posting. We have two events on June 2nd. The first is a parade through Colonial Williamsburg. I know how to present the colors for a parade. My concern is the evening event. It is also held outdoors and will be a few speeches and several pipe bands. We are to post the colors on the steps of the college building. The four of us will march through the doors to the outdoor plaza. We will have four flags, in the following order; American, British Union Jack, the Scottish St. Andrew’s Cross (Saltire), and the Saint Andrew’s Society of Williamsburg flag. On the steps, the flags will be split, two on each side of the doorway…US and British on the left facing the building and the other flags on the other side. Since this is a civilian event, our team will be in our Kilts, dress shirt, and tie.
What is the proper procedure for posting the flags? March out, stand behind the flag bases, and then when we are in position, Announce, “Post Colors”? We want to do this right. We could be on worldwide TV for this ceremony. Thanking you in advance.
Author
Mr. Madigan,
What a great opportunity! What you describe, marching through the doorway is appropriate. I would add here that the colors can be formally presented, non-national colors dipped, both anthems (Star-Spangled Banner last) played or sung, and then the team split up to post with the command, “Post!” Or, you can enter, split to behind the stands, “Post”, place the staffs in the stands, dress them toward the audience (flag silk in front of the staff, with you being able to see the staff, top of the flag dressed to your left), come to Attention, one step to the rear, halt, render the hand salute for the anthems, and depart.
If you want me to record a demonstration video for you and your team, let me know and I’ll do it right away.
DM