7th Annual Massing of Colors Ceremony
The Seventh Annual Massing of Colors Ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in our new outdoor amphitheater. We would like to invite your Color Guard to participate.
The Massing of Colors Ceremony is a patriotic event where Colors and Color Guards representing many military, patriotic, scouting, veteran, and civic organizations assemble en masse. 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.
We hope that you will be able to attend this event on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Give us a call at 804-786-2062 to confirm your participation.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please call Candi Shelton at the Virginia War Memorial at 804-786-2062 or by e-mail at: cshelton@vawarmemorial.org.
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to seeing you on October 2, 2010.
Directions to the Memorial
Approaching from the north or south via Interstate 95 or East 64, exit at Downtown Expressway (I-195/SR 195) to the Belvidere Street exit. For Interstate 64 West follow signs to south I 95 and then exit at Downtown Expressway to the Belvidere Street exit. You will have to pay a toll to enter onto the Downtown Expressway. After exiting, turn left at the first light and you will be on Belvidere Street. Follow Belvidere Street and turn left, into the War Memorial parking area. You will be directed to specific parking and registration tables.
Approaching from the south via US-1 cross over the Lee Bridge and take your first right into the Virginia War Memorial parking area. You will be directed to parking and registration.
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. No chairs will be available during checkin.
Participating in the Massing of the 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. Units will be directed down into the Amphitheater which will include marching down steps. Units will be seated in the amphitheater during the ceremony.
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!