When must the flag be completely lowered at the end of To the Colors?

• A. At the last note of To the Colors
• B. At sunrise
• C. When color guard commands
• D. After the flag is folded

Answer: (A)

The moment to lower the flag during To the Colors is tied to the musical cue, not a separate command. The flag is completely lowered at the last note of To the Colors, which signals the ceremony’s proper conclusion and readiness to store the flag. Lowering at sunrise would be about starting the day’s ceremony, not ending it, and lowering “when color guard commands” would depend on a verbal cue rather than the established musical cue. Lowering after the flag is folded reverses the typical sequence, since folding comes after the flag has been lowered and secured.