by The Posting of the Colors is a practice conducted by military color guards of the United States Armed Forces at the beginning of a particular ceremony. The Colors refer to the American Flag, accompanied by flags of lesser degree. Proper respect is given to all the Colors during the ceremony. This practice is also performed by the Boy Scouts of America, who are posting the Colors for our Super Sixties Connection as we celebrate our 250th Anniversary as a nation.
This proud, honoring tradition requires a color guard team to move the Colors with respect from a carried position to be placed on display in a stand. When the Colors have been posted, the team faces the flags and stands at attention. Honor is given to the American flag by saluting, standing at attention or removal of hats and placing hands over hearts. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited, then the color guard team retreats upon orders from the presiding officer. This procedure arranges the American flag into a position of greatest honor and respect.
How different are our saving Colors—banner or ensign—Jesus Christ, the living Word of God? (Isaiah 11:10-12; 1 John 5:7) His Colors were posted and retired 2,000 years ago and promised by Isaiah to be posted once again, “the second time to recover the remnant of his people.” This is called the Second Coming of Jesus Christ which will be at the end of the 7-year Tribulation. Until that glorious day, our job is to continuously post His Colors in a position of greatest honor and respect. However, we are never to retire His Colors.
