5th Annual Massing of Colors Ceremony
Presented by Richmond Chapter, The Military Order of the World Wars and the Virginia War Memorial
The 5th Annual Massing of Colors Ceremony will be conducted at the Virginia War Memorial on Saturday, October 4, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. We would like to invite your Color Guard to participate in this event.
The Massing of Colors Ceremony is a patriotic event. It focuses on the positive aspects of our nation by acknowledging our heritage of freedom and its symbolic representation—the flag of the United States. The ceremony is relatively short but moving and meaningful. Respect and honor is rendered to the flag. Homage is paid to those who struggled to preserve our freedom and the people who attend are imbued with patriotism and love of country.
This ceremony assembles Colors and Color Guards representing many military, patriotic, scouting, veteran and civic organizations. These participants assemble en masse in a patriotic ceremony to provide a loving tribute to our heritage and the dead of all wars who helped preserve it.
We hope that you will be able to attend this event on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Please fill out response form at the right of this page by June 30, 2008, or give us a call to confirm you are participating. If you have any questions regarding this event, please call Candi Shelton at the War Memorial at 804-786-2060 or email cshelton@vawarmemorial.org.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on October 4th, 2008.
Arrival Instructions
Upon your Arrival at the War Memorial (NO LATER THAN 1:15 PM)
The Commander of your Color Guard should proceed to the Registration Area and sign in with the Outside Marshall. The Outside Marshall or his assistant will stage your Color Guard in the Order of Precedence. Each unit will be given a name card to be given to the announcer when it is their turn. A wooden stake and placard in the staging area will designate the place where you will assemble your Color Guard. Chairs will be provided in this area but NOT during the ceremony (unless needed).
Participating in the Massing of Colors Ceremony
Proceed around the Shrine of Memory on the sidewalk following directions of the Outside Marshall and his assistant. Maintain a constant interval of two paces between Color Guards while marching in and out of the ceremony. Do not crowd or lag behind.
Stand at attention for the National Anthem, the Invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, the playing of Taps, the playing of God Bless America and the Benediction. Bow your heads during all prayers. Color Guard escorts in uniform will either salute or present arms during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem; Color Guards not in uniform will place their right hand over their heart.
During the ceremony flag bearers will support flagpoles on the ground and keep flagpoles vertical. All colors, other than the American flag, will be dipped during the playing of the National Anthem – the American flag will remain in the vertical position.
Certificates of Participation will be issued to each Color Guard unit following the ceremony. Certificates should be claimed at the Registration Area from the Outside Marshall.
Remember – Look Sharp! You are the Stars of the Show!
-RAIN OR SHINE-
Visitor’s Center (804-786-2050)