Many ceremonies that involve the posting of flags, not just of the nation, but also of states and individual units, use a military color guard. This centuries-old custom varies slightly depending on the branch of service that performs it, but the basic procedure remains the same. A caller directs a marching unit to the location where the flags will be posted, saluted, and displayed for all to see.
When the colors are presented, fully uniformed members of the military, active duty, reserve, or retired, should do so. If present, the United States flag bearer is in the center of the line, surrounded state and unit flag bearers. Guards, who frequently carry rifles and must know how to salute while carrying one, are stationed at each end of the line.
A caller, usually the color guard’s highest-ranking member, is the first to act in a military color guard. He or she strides purposefully to the location where the flags will be displayed and stands at attention, body erect, hands stiffly at the sides, and heels touching. After a brief pause, he or she instructs the color guard to prepare to present the colors before calling them to attention.
After ordering the color guard into position, the caller asks those in attendance to stand in a different tone, one that is less authoritative and more like a request. Returning his attention to the guard, the caller arranges the bearers and guards in a neat line to the location where the colors will be displayed. With the right foot, the column begins walking. This task will be completed using a variety of commands, including “left face,” “right face,” “forward march,” and “ready, halt.”
Members of the military color guard are ordered to post the flags once they have been ordered to stand at attention facing the caller. The flag bearers advance to the flag pole base, where the flags will be displayed, while the guards and caller salute. They place all of the flags at once, as evenly as possible.
“Color guard, address the colors,” the caller says shortly after the flags are posted, and the flag bearers take two steps back, turn around to face the US flag, and salute. Following the posting of colors a military color guard, those in attendance recite the Pledge of Allegiance, led the caller, in most ceremonies. The military color guard reassembles in line to be led away when the command “Regroup” is given.