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Proper respect: It's the right thing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tim Chacon
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  At 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the sounds of retreat and the National Anthem can be heard echoing throughout Bolling. 

This event serves two purposes: one is to signify the end of the official duty day, while the second is to provide a ceremony to pay respect to the flag. The end of the work day is a nice tradition. However, the purpose for paying respect to the flag is a much more important aspect of the tradition. 

Retreat is a time-honored tradition that should be respected by actively participating in the proceedings, not to mention, doing so correctly. Quite often, people on Bolling can be seen running to their cars or ducking inside buildings when they hear the sounds from the Giant Voice crackle to life. To put it bluntly, this is just wrong. 

There is a chance that the reason for these protocol violations is simply because people don't know what to do and would rather avoid the situation altogether in order to risk the chance of being called out for not observing proper protocol. 

According to Air Force Manual 32-2203, military personnel in uniform should stop and face the flag or the sound of the music if a flag is not visible. Assume the position of parade rest upon the first note of retreat. When the first note of the National Anthem is played, military members should come to attention and render a salute. 

For military people not in uniform, come to the position of attention and place the right hand over the heart. If head gear is being worn, remove head gear and hold it in the right hand over the heart. 

Civilians also have a set of rules to be followed. According to the U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 10, civilians should follow the same rules as military members out of uniform. The only difference is that military members have the option to salute in civilian attire. 

These are all rules to follow if you're outside. If you're inside a vehicle, you should stop and sit quietly until the last note of retreat is played. At Bolling, Security Forces members will stop inbound traffic at the gates and not allow drivers to proceed until the final note sounds. 

Paying respect to the flag should go beyond doing it because AFIs and U.S. codes dictate procedures. Individuals should want to pay respect to the flag and be proud to participate in the time-honored tradition. The Air Force and the nation function and progress because of the sacrifices of dedicated individuals who fought for the freedoms signified by the American flag.