Respect for the flag Published May 10, 2010 By Chief Maser Sgt. Kevin Candler 423rd Air Base Group Superintendent RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom -- Last Thursday on base, my 8-year old daughter and I were chasing each other around prior to baseball practice. As 5 p.m. came, so did retreat. I stopped and paid the proper respect, and without hesitation, my daughter mimicked me. She made me so proud, but also reminded me why paying respect to the symbol of freedom is something that must be done...the brave men and women that fought wars and paid the sacrifice - the Cunningham's, the Jacobson's, the Chapman's, the Weiner's, the Miller's, the Loncki's, the Balmer's, and others - so she could be living free. Once finished, she asked me a question that I think many people struggle with, "did I do the right thing?" I let her know, however, it made me realize that we all need a refresher from time-to-time. But, before guidance, it's appropriate to know the foundation of reveille and retreat. Reveille originated in medieval times to wake the soldiers at dawn. It calls the soldier's spirit to rise and prepare for another day. It helped fuel the passion that led our great war fighters to ensure the land of America stood free. Retreat is a bugle call first used by the French Army and dates back to the Crusades. Retreat was sounded at sunset and notified sentries to start challenging personnel until sunrise, and also to tell the troops to head back to their quarters and retire safely. The modern retreat originated in the 16th century when it was called "watch-setting." The drum major of a regiment would advertise the changing of the watch by the beating of the drum. Also, on the battlefield, fighting usually concluded at sunset, therefore, retreat signaled the end of the day. The troops assembled, roll was taken, and they would honor those who had fallen that day. Retreat symbolizes the finest qualities of soldiers for hundreds of years. To help us reflect each day, reveille and retreat are played on RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth. Reveille comes to call at 7:30 a.m., followed directly by "To The Colors". When played, military members outside and in uniform, to include PT Gear, face the flag, if visible, or face the music. Stand at parade rest during the playing of "Reveille" which precedes "To the Colors." Stand at Attention and salute on the first note of "To the Colors." If there is no music, but the flag is raised, salute when you see the flag first being hoisted. Members then drop their salute after the last note is played, or when the flag has been fully raised if no music. If in a vehicle during reveille, pull the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants should sit quietly until the last note of the music has played. Military members in civilian clothes and outdoors, stand at attention and place your right hand, with a hat if wearing one, over your heart. Civilians should remove their headgear and place their hand over their heart. Retreat, which is played at 5 p.m., is very similar, although it is preceded by Great Britain's National Anthem. When played, military members outside and in uniform face the flag, if visible, or face the music. They should stand at parade rest during the playing of "Sound Retreat" which precedes the national anthems and lowering of the flag, and then stand at attention and salute on the first note of the Great Britain National Anthem. If there is no music, salute when you see the flag first being lowered. Members should then drop their salute after the last note is played of the U.S. National Anthem, or when the flag has been fully lowered if no music. Military members in civilian clothes and outdoors, stand at attention and place your right hand, with a hat if wearing one, over your heart. Civilians should remove their headgear and place their hand over their heart. If in a vehicle during retreat, pull the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants should sit quietly until the last note of the music has played. These two calls pay homage to our nations' symbols and what they embody. Each reflects a belief that our country is great...it is so because of the tremendous war fighters that came before us and each one of you serving today...preserving the liberties our children and grandchildren, and those generations yet unborn, will enjoy. As you circulate the battle space of the Tri-Base, I ask you to never forget their meaning and to make sure the proper respect is given. Airpower!