Remember why we pause for retreat

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Hey what's the hurry? It's almost 4:29 p.m. I'm trying to get to my car before they sound retreat. Or, I'll wait until after retreat is played before I leave the building. How about this one...it's only a couple of yards before I reach the building, I'll just run for cover; so what if retreat is playing. 

Retreat is more than signifying the end of the duty day...it's also paying respect to Old Glory and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for her and all in which she represent. You know, Old Glory...that Star Spangled Banner which represents One Nation, Under God, with Liberty and Justice for all...yes, that one. 

As I spoke to our new senior non-commissioned officer's during their Induction Ceremony, I told 72 inductees that we wear the uniform to ensure every American could enjoy the freedoms which define our great nation. And that's true...partially. 

In fact, we wear the uniform to ensure all people can enjoy democracy, peace and freedom owed to them as human beings. Sure, we are a nation at war protecting and defending the security and sovereignty of America. However, we also have nearly 700 Airmen, American men and women, deployed across the globe preserving the rights of others. 

Why? Because they are dedicated to this great nation of ours and believe so much in the principles on which she is founded. They are willing to give their lives to maintain democracy in our majestic land and establish democracy in foreign lands. 

Today's American heroes are no different than the pioneers who fought to establish democracy or fought to ensure equality for all under the shadow of Old Glory. And today our young brave heroes are fighting in far away places we can't name, fighting directly for no Americans but they're fighting for freedom. When others see that star spangled banner touch their native soil they cheer with glee because they know that freedom, democracy and justice is on the way. 

Some of our comrades may never return home to this majestic land of ours but still they fight and Old Glory is right there in the mist of battle, waiving her beautiful colors reminding them why they fight. It's a proud time in our nation's history to be an American, especially an American military member. 

So the next time you hear retreat, pause to pay homage to that old red, white and blue star spangled banner and remember our young men and women deployed in those far away places fighting for which she stands.