Civics

  1. How and why, we respect the flag of America, India or any other Sovereign Nation.
  2. How is respecting the flag related to “respect authority” in our Oath?
  3. Basic flag ceremonies:
      Demonstrate folding the American flag or the flag of another nation.
      Demonstrate the proper placement of hands (and hats) while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
      Demonstrate displaying the colors for an outdoor flag ceremony.
      Demonstrate raising and lowering the American flag for an outdoor flag ceremony.
      Participate in a flag ceremony for your Troop meeting, award ceremony, or other indoor ceremony.
  4. Know the Flag Code and its history. Diagram the proper way to display the American Flag in the following circumstances.
      When carried in a procession with another flag or flags
      When displayed with another flag against a wall with crossed staffs
      When a number of flags on staffs are displayed with the American Flag
      When state flags or other pennants are flown from the same halyard with the American flag
      When flags of two or more nations are displayed
      When a flag is displayed on a staff projecting horizontally from a windowsill or building
      When the flag is not on a staff and is displayed flat against a wall horizontally and vertically
      When used on a speaker's platform
      When flown at half-staff
      When used to cover a casket
  5. Make a diagram of the flag and flagpole, labeling all its parts. Include and be able to define the hoist, peak, fly, staff, halyard, and union.
  6. Learn the history of the Pledge of Allegiance.
  7. Learn the date, the conflict, the American flag's design, its physical condition, and the situation that prompted Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner.
  8. Read through the words of the National Anthem written by Francis Scott Key. Explain line by line in your own words what was going on and his views on it.
  9. Read through the National Anthem of India or another sovereign nation of your choice. Translate it to English and explain line by line in your own words what it means.
  10. Do 3 of the following activities:
      Participate in the color guard for a flag ceremony for a community event.
      Participate in the color guard for an outdoor flag ceremony.
      Find a script giving a meaning or symbolism to each of the 13 folds required to properly fold an American Flag and use it in a flag ceremony.
      Find or write a special flag ceremony and perform it in front of an audience.
      Find or write a respectful flag retirement ceremony and perform it at a campfire program.
      Participate in a flag planting service project at a cemetery for their Memorial Day service honoring veterans.
      Learn the history and usage of the 21 Gun Salute.
      Research the origins of Flag Day and plan a special event celebrating the day for your Troop or community.
  11. Select a trooper qualified in Civics that is willing to review your knowledge and second your motion to the court of honor for your qualification. If no trooper is qualified this requirement can be waved by the Troop Master.