6th Annual Massing of Colors Ceremonyat Hermitage High School
The 6th Annual Massing of the Colors Ceremony is presented by the Richmond Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars and the Virginia War Memorial, and is hosted by the U. S. Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit of Hermitage High School.
The ceremony will be conducted at Hermitage High School (map) located at 8301 Hungary Spring Road in Richmond, on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 2:00 PM. The ceremony will be conducted indoors in the auditorium of the high school. We invite your organization's Color Guard to join us for this patriotic event. This alternative location has been selected for this year's ceremony, due to the construction of the Education Center at the Virginia War Memorial.
The Massing of the 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 of America. 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 the ceremony 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 17, 2009. 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 17, 2009.
Arrival Instructions
Upon your Arrival at Hermitage High School (NO LATER THAN 1:15 PM)
The Commander of your Color Guard should proceed to the Registration Area and sign in with the Marshal. Marine Corps cadets will be on hand to direct you to the Registration Area. The Marshal or his assistants will stage your Color Guard in its Order of Precedence on the ramp on the left side of the auditorium. Each unit will be given a name card to be given to the Announcer when it is their turn to march. A 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 the Colors Ceremony
Proceed forward from the assembly area following the instructions of the Marshal 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. The Color Guards will be formed-up on the large stage of the auditorium in several ranks.
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 floor 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 Marshal.
Remember – Look Sharp! You are the Stars of the Show!
SAVE THE DATE: JROTC Recognition Week - November 17 - 20, 2009
The Virginia War Memorial's annual "JROTC Recognition Week," will be held from 17 - 20 November 2009. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in this most worthwhile and educational event. For questions, contact Candi Shelton at the Virginia War Memorial at 804-786-2062 or by e-mail at: cshelton@vawarmemorial.org.