Flagpole Ceremony

When the England flag is flown during special occasions, a flag ceremony is held. A caller will proclaim the commands and be at the helm of the ceremony.

The colour bearer will be responsible in holding and hooking the flag off the flag pole, while a group known as the colour guards will be responsible in escorting the colour bearer, guarding the flag and helping with putting them up onto the flagpoles etc. This is a serious task and guards need to ensure the flag never falls to or touches the ground, in the event the colour bearer slips or stumbles.

During the ceremony the onlookers or participants are expected to stand in a horseshoe shape around the flagpole at the base. Else they should stay facing the flagpole in rows, one behind the other.

The caller will be required to stand in a place where his or her voice can be heard by the colour guard.

The caller should then issue the command, “Colour guard, advance” and the colour guard together with the colour bearer carrying the flag will be escorted forward.

Using the command, “Colour guards, post the colours!” The colour bearer will pass the flag to the colour guards who will fix the flag to the pole as two others hold it.

The caller should then command, “Colour guard, raise the colours” whereby the colour guard will help the colour bearer to hoist the flag. Finish the hoisting with the caller commanding “Colour guard, dismissed.”