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"Morning Colors/Evening Colors" are ceremonies accompanying the raising and lowering of the National Ensign on ships and shore establishments of the US Navy, US Marine Corps, the US Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Morning and Evening Colors are held at shore establishments and on board ships while not underway (i.e., docked, moored, anchored or aground). (Presumably, ships underway fly their ensigns continuously, although when out of sight of others, they commonly lower their ensigns simply to save wear and tear.)

Morning Colors begins with First Call at 0755 signalled by the associated bugle call or by a single whistle and the announcement, "First call, first call to colors." The International Maritime Signal Flag PREP (or Preparatory) is hoisted on a nearby flag halyard. Promptly at 0800, the PREP flag is lowered to the dip (a position about three-quarters of the way to the top), a whistle is sounded with the announcement, "Attention to colors" bringing all present to attention. If a band is present, the National Anthem is played as the ensign is hoisted smartly. As an alternative to a band, a bugle may sound "To The Colors," or silence may be observed. Following the ceremony, Carry On is signalled by the bugle or by three whistles and the command, "Carry on."

Evening Colors begins with First Call 5 minutes before local sunset signalled as for morning colors. Promptly at sunset, a whistle is sounded with the announcement, "Attention to colors" bringing all present to attention. If a band is present, the National Anthem is played just as it is for morning colors. More likely, the ensign is lowered slowly and in silence or accompanied by a bugle sounding Retreat. When music is present, the rate of lowering is timed to be completed as the music finishes. Following the ceremony, Carry On is signalled by the bugle or by three whistles and the command, "Carry on."