Historical flag ceremony

How often have you repeated the Cub Promise, or Scout Oath and wondered how you as a leader could make this a significant and meaningful experience in the life of every youth in your unit?

Greater Pittsburgh Council has the finest program facility for dramatically portraying “Duty to Country,” and presenting a truly inspirational, educational, and highlighting experience in the life of the members of your unit as they participate in a Historic Flag Ceremony at the Council Service Center, Flag Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

With its five stately flag poles towering to 80 feet, Flag Plaza, is an extraordinary sight. Here fly twenty-four hours a day, the 50-star American Flag, the banner of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the crest of the City of Pittsburgh, the ensign of the Boy Scouts of America, and one of the historic forerunners of Old Glory.

Scores of Scouts participate each year, raising one of the 12x18 foot flags our forefathers designed and defended in their pursuit of freedom as they carved a mighty, yet humble nation dedicated to justice and freedom for all.

After arrival at 6:30 p.m. and before conducting the Flag Ceremony at 7:30 p.m., Scouts climb the beautiful Eagle Trail Staircase to the Flag Room, which is a large and impressive wood-paneled room. Here, one may view the original works of flag art, each singular and unique, all created by Don Hewitt. Each depicts one of the forerunners of Old Glory over a view of one of the scenes in which our forefathers might have used that banner.

These same scenes are reproduced in full color on a magnificent 22x34 inch Flag Chart. This treasured Flag Chart is presented to each Scout and uniformed Scouter who participates.

In the Flag Room is the Eagle registry…within which is found the name of every Eagle Scout to achieve that rank in our council. Names date back to 1915. Under the printed name is a place for the boy and his unit leader to affix their signatures.

The focal point of the Flag Room is the “You Are The Flag” mural created by noted cartoonist, Milton Caniff and narrated by famed actor, Jimmy Stewart. A copy of this outstanding mural is also presented to each Scout who participates.

Everyone will be able to ring an exact replica of the Liberty Bell which was cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in London.

Displayed in the Bicentennial Room are 13 original works of art, in addition to the inspiring painting, “One Hundred Years Ago,” from our Nation’s Centennial celebration.

The Milton Caniff Gallery contains a collection of his original personal comments in pen and brush, plus July 4, 1976 salutes of great American cartoonists.

Next to the Bicentennial Room is a nine foot replica of the Statue of Liberty that offers a stirring audible message.

Units are invited to contact Mollieann Gray at Flag Plaza – Scout Center to register for a Historic Flag Ceremony.

After signing up you will receive a complete script of the evening ceremony. Joe Bayly will be on hand to greet and to assist you in the fun and easy to conduct program.