Flag Raising Script

Flag Raising Script

RUN OF SHOW — 2026 Betsy Ross Flag Raising Ceremony
(This is a template for Communities, Schools, Municipalities, Civic Groups, Historical Societies, Veterans’ Organizations, and More)

1. Pre-Event (10 minutes before start) 

  • Sound system check 
  • Place the flag at the base of the pole or have person trained to raise the flag and will conduct the physical raising hold the flag. 
  • Confirm cue order with singer, historian, elected official 
  • Photographer ready for ceremonial photos 

2. Welcome and Opening Remarks (Emcee/Host) 

  • Thank audience for attending 
  • Note purpose of ceremony 
  • Brief remarks about the U.S. Semiquincentennial and America250 
  • Introduce today’s participants 
  • Transition to musical performance 

3. Musical Performance 

  • Introduction of [SINGER] 
  • Performance of [SONG] (e.g., “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” or “God Bless America”) 

4. Historical Reflection 

  • Introduction of [HISTORIAN] 
  • Short 2–3 minute remarks about the history of the American flag, the Betsy Ross story, and the significance of the Semiquincentennial 

5. Remarks from an Elected Official 

  • Introduction of [ELECTED OFFICIAL] 
  • 2–3 minute remarks on community, heritage, the upcoming 250th birthday, and the meaning of raising this flag in 2025–2026 6. Photo Opportunity 
  • Invite speakers and veterans/community leaders forward 
  • 1–2 minutes for posed photos with the unfurled flagAmerica250PADelco 


7. Flag Raising  Emcee cues the group 

  • Raise the 250th Anniversary Flag 
  • Optional: moment of silence or brief musical reprise 


8. Closing 

  • Thank participants and attendees 
  • Invite community to upcoming America250 events


TEMPLATE SCRIPT — Emcee/Host

 “Good morning/afternoon, everyone, and thank you all for being here. It’s wonderful to gather together for this special moment as we prepare for one of the most significant milestones in our nation’s history — the upcoming celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial. In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and communities across the country are joining together to build excitement, reflect on our shared story, and honor the generations who helped shape the nation we know today. We’re proud to be raising the Betsy Ross 250th Flag — a commemorative symbol that connects our past to our future. Today’s ceremony is meant to bring people together, to remember where we’ve been, and to look ahead to all that the next 250 years can hold. We have a short but program prepared today. In just a moment, we’ll hear [SINGER] perform [SONG], followed by a brief historical reflection from [HISTORIAN], who will share some insight into the story of the American flag and the origins of the Betsy Ross design. After that, we’re honored to have [ELECTED OFFICIAL(S)] join us to offer a few words about this milestone and what it means for our community here in [LOCATION]. After our speakers, we’ll invite everyone to join us for a brief photo opportunity, and then we will raise the flag together. Thank you again for joining us as we honor our history, celebrate our community, and look forward to America’s 250th birthday.”