Reveille, Retreat, and Taps continue the long-standing military tradition. Each ceremony is firmly rooted in military history and provides an opportunity to show respect to the U.S. Flag, country and fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from the past and present that have served their country.
Below is the expected protocol on paying proper respect during these ceremonial calls.
Reveille: 7 A.M. The morning bugle call, known as Reveille, was originally conducted as "Troop" in 1812 and was designed to muster the unit or for roll call, but as time passed it came to mark when the Flag was raised in the morning, and honors paid to it.
Retreat: 5 P.M. At the end of the workday, Retreat will sound. Retreat is traditionally a time to secure the Flag and pay respect to what it stands for.
During Reveille and Retreat, those persons outdoors should stop activities, and turn in the direction of the installation Flag and/or direction of the music. Drivers operating a vehicle render respect by safely stopping their vehicle until the music is complete. Exiting your vehicle is not required. Access control points shall also stop vehicular traffic. Those in Uniform shall salute the Flag and/or salute in the direction of the music.
Taps: 9 P.M. Taps is a signal of the end of the day, and is played alone to honor service members who paid the ultimate price. For these purposes, there are no formal protocol procedures required. 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.
While the sound of the bugle may stop us momentarily from what we are doing, the tradition and honor that accompanies the music deserve a moment of our time. When you hear the music, try to remember our veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. --
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