Reveille, retreat and taps

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The customs and courtesies we observe as service members are some of the oldest traditions of the military, and show respect for our flag, country, fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines throughout history to the present day.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Lewis, 28th Force Support Squadron base Honor Guard NCO in charge, said customs are, and will always be, a valuable part of the Air Force culture.

"Our flag is the ultimate symbol of who we are as Americans," explained Lewis. "It symbolizes what we stand for, fight for and serve for. I never hesitate to pay tribute to it."

Below is Air Force protocol on rendering proper respect to the flag according to Air Force Manual 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies.

Reveille-7:30 a.m.

Reveille typically signifies the beginning of the official duty day and the raising of the flag. Because Ellsworth displays the flag 24-hours a day, neither civilians nor military personnel, in or out of uniform, are required to stand at parade rest, attention or render a salute during reveille - reveille in this case is just a bugle call.

Retreat-5 p.m.

Retreat signifies the end of the official duty day and the evening retirement of the colors. All individuals outdoors and in uniform should face the flag, or the music if the flag is not visible, and stand at parade
rest during the sounding of "To the Colors." At the first note of the National Anthem, come to attention and salute, holding the position until the last note of the anthem is sounded.

If in civilian clothing, both military members and civilians should take the same actions as if they were in uniform, with a few exceptions: Men will remove their hats with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart. Men without hats and women should stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart.

All vehicles should come to a stop and remain motionless until the last note has sounded.

Taps-10 p.m.

150 years old this year, taps began as a signal for lights out at the end of the day. Again, because we display the flag 24 hours each day, and no action with the flag is performed with Taps, it is considered a bugle call only. No formal courtesy is rendered.

Throughout the years, taps became a part of military funerals and memorial honor ceremonies. When played for ceremonial purposes, proper protocol dictates those individuals in uniform render a salute until the music is complete. Civilians should remove their headgear and place their hands over their hearts. If in the physical fitness uniform, saluting during these ceremonies is not required, however, members are encouraged to do so if they desire.

Colors presentation and posting of colors

At events during which colors are presented or posted - Airman Leadership School graduations, change of command and retirement ceremonies - all individuals in uniform should stand at attention when prompted by the Master of Ceremonies. If outdoors, all individuals should salute and hold their salute during presentation of the colors until the last note of the National Anthem is sounded. If indoors, do not render a salute. Individuals in uniform should remain at attention throughout the posting of colors, and until the color guard leaves the ceremony.

While in civilian clothing, military members and civilians should remove their hats with their right hand and hold them at their left shoulder with the right hand over the heart. Men without hats and women should stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart.

During all ceremonies involving the National Anthem and/or hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag, members of the military and veterans who are present but not in uniform may now render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform, according to Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code as approved in the Defense Authorization Acts of 2008 and 2009.