The children enter in single file at left corner of the line, then, if girls take part, a girl next, then a back of stage, Color-bearer with large flag leading boy, etc. File marches across back of stage, back again to left side, diagonally to right corner of front, back to left corner of back, down left side, across front of stage, back to left corner and up left side, thus:
Then from left corner of back pass to center of back, down center of stage to front, where Color-bearer turns to right, first girl to left, next boy to right, next girl to left, etc. Pass to corners of front, up sides of stage, across to center of back, where the Color-bearer remains standing, while the next boy and first girl form a couple, each two do the same, couples march down stage till first couple is near front. Halt, couples face each other, standing about three feet apart. The Color-bearer now passes down between the two lines and halts at front of stage, facing audience. The couple nearest back of stage now marches down between lines, goes to right and halts, next couple comes down and goes to left, etc., thus:
The file stands in curved line back of Color-bearer. Music changes to STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. The children in the line stand with flags held at right side, as during the march, till the music gets to "Oh! say, does the star-spangled banner still wave," when they raise flags and wave them slowly, till close of music. The piece is played through once and then music ceases, the Color-bearer raises his flag, holding it quite high. The others take flags in left hands and hold at left sides. When the large flag is raised they all say:
I pledge my head, (touch head with right hand) my heart, (lay hand over heart) and my hand, (raise right hand)
To loyally serve my native land; (drop hand at side)
I pledge my power, my honor, and my might (step forward with right foot)
To keep my country's name forever bright. (Step back in line.)
I pledge the zeal and strength of this right hand (raise right hand)
To keep Old Glory floating o'er our land. (Point to flag.)
The flags are now held in right hands, out in front of bodies:
A flag for the sailor, skimming the sea,
A flag for the soldier, guarding the lea,
A flag for the patriot, proud to be free,
A flag for YOU, (flags extended to audience) and a flag for ME! (At this flags are laid lovingly across chests and held with both hands.)
Flags are now waved above heads and the line exclaims: