Our flag displays our appreciation

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th AMW command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  You know, paying respect and honor to our Flag, Old Glory, is a way of displaying our appreciation for being Americans. She's seen us through every conflict and war. In fact, she flies high today casting down her shadow of freedom over the Airmen in Iraq, Afghanistan and other far away lands. Her stalwart colors provide hope, strength, and a reason for our comrades to persevere.

That Star Spangled Banner bestows a sense of comfort and closure to the family members of our fallen comrades as she lay somberly across their caskets protecting our comrades to the very end. So, because of all Old Glory represents and inspiration she provides our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, we pause twice a day, 7 a.m. [Reveille] and 4:30 p.m. [Retreat], on military installations across the globe to pay homage to her.

What do you do when you hear the sound of Reveille at 7 a.m.; you're outdoors and wearing your physical training gear or civilian attire? We must first know what to do in order to pay the proper respect to our national treasure. Reveille was not originally intended specifically as honors for the flag. Today, Reveille is conducted to honor Old Glory as she is raised in the morning.

Honors during Reveille should be rendered similar to the procedures for Retreat. Therefore, when operating a vehicle on Travis at 7 a.m., you can expect to hear the sound of Reveille. Please pull your vehicle off to the side when it's safe to do so and remain there until the music has ended. If the music in your vehicle or a conversation prevents you from hearing the sound of Reveille, remember you're on base and at 7 a.m. we pay homage to our flag...so pull over at 7 a.m. and you can't go wrong.

Now, if you are not driving and you're outdoors in your PT gear or civilian attire and you hear the enthusiastic sound of Reveille, stop and stand at parade rest. When "To the Colors" begins to play, stand at attention and place your right hand over your heart. If you're wearing a hat remove the hat and place it over your heart. Our PT gear is considered civilian attire, so saluting is not required. On the other hand, when in uniform at the sound of Reveille, stand at parade rest. At the sound of the "To the Colors" stand at attention and salute until the last note of music has played or until the colors are secured, whichever is last. Retreat is the same.

Retreat signifies the end of the duty day and respect to our flag. The honors for Retreat are the same as we render for Reveille. Nations across the world would give anything, including their lives to have such a majestic symbol as ours because of what it stands for...Freedom, Democracy and Justice.

Shhhhhhh! Taps is playing...my day has finally ended; time for me to snuggle under the covers...lights out...good night Lene, Niquo and Team Travis...until next time; be safe and make responsible choices.