WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- One of our oldest and most solemn military traditions is to honor our flag. At specific times in the morning and evening on U.S. military bases worldwide you can hear the signaling of the start of the day or the end of the duty day: Reveille and Retreat.
But have you ever wondered why that is? Have you ever noticed military members and civilians standing still, saluting, or sitting silently in their cars?
As Americans, we come together during sporting events or other times when the National Anthem is played, standing quietly, removing our hats and placing our hands over our hearts or at attention.
It is a moment to reflect on the values of life, liberty, and the traditions the flag represents. The same opportunity to reflect and show gratitude occurs on military bases during Reveille and Retreat, when military personnel salute and civilians stand with their hands on their hearts.
According to DAFI 90-1201, para. 8.2.6, “‘Reveille’ and ‘Retreat’ bugle calls are performed daily on most USAF and USSF installations. Installations have different missions and procedures for either displaying the U.S. flag 24-hours a day or raising and lowering it each day. Therefore, variations of the playing of ‘Reveille’ and ‘Retreat’ either independently or in conjunction with the National Anthem or ‘To the Colors’ can be found on different installations.”
At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Reveille is played every morning at 7:30 a.m. to signify the start of the duty day. Since the flag is flown 24 hours a day and Reveille is not played as a prelude to the National Anthem or To the Colors, there are no requirements to render courtesies nor stop your vehicle if driving.
Each day at 5 p.m., Retreat is played signaling the end of the duty day. On Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Retreat is played as a prelude to the National Anthem, so all personnel, to include military in and out of uniform, as well as civilians, should render the proper courtesies.
Proper Courtesies During Reveille and Retreat
- If in a vehicle, stop in place at the first note of music (pull the car to the side of the road if there are safety concerns or emergency vehicles need access). All occupants stay in the vehicle and sit quietly at attention until the last note of the National Anthem is played.
- Military members in uniform will face the flag or the direction of the music and stand at the position of ‘parade rest’ until the last note of ‘Retreat’ is played. Upon the start of the National Anthem, military members in uniform are required to salute.
- Civilian personnel as well as military members not in uniform will also face the flag or the direction of the music and stand quietly until the last note of Retreat is played. Upon the start of the National Anthem they should place their right hand over their heart until the completion of the National Anthem.
- All sporting or physical training activities will stop during Reveille and Retreat
In my years of service to the country as a military member, spouse and civilian, Reveille and Retreat have always been about courtesies, tradition, pride, and professionalism and a way to honor the flag.
So next time you hear Reveille or Retreat, think before you dash to your vehicle or run back into the building. Do the right thing: Reflect on your professionalism while standing there, and be proud of the rich military traditions we honor and cherish.