Reveille, Retreat, Taps offer chance to reflect

  • Published
  • By Col. David E. Graff
  • 325th Fighter Wing Commander
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  To remember those who have gone before us and to inspire esprit de corps, Reveille, Retreat and Taps will now be heard on Tyndall Air Force Base starting Friday, March 22.

The music echoing across the base serves as a reminder of the price of freedom. Taking a moment to render the proper customs and courtesies, allows us to pay respect to our nation and the brave men and women who served and continue to serve.

Reveille was originally used as a wakeup for military personnel to assembly for roll call. In other words, it signaled the beginning of the official duty day and starting Friday will open our day at 6:30 a.m.

The retreat ceremony, which marks the end of the official duty day, will continue to be played at 5 p.m. Taps, which is used to symbolize lights out, will be played at 9:30 p.m.

Following the proper protocol during these ceremonies is extremely important.

During the sounding of Reveille or Retreat, personnel should follow the instructions outlined in Air Force Instruction 34-1201: "When outside and in uniform, face the flag (if visible) or face the music. Stand at attention and salute on the first note of the music (or if no music, when you see the flag first being raised or lowered). Drop your salute after the last note is played, or when the flag has been fully raised. If in a vehicle during Reveille or Retreat, pull the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants sit quietly at attention until the last note of the music has played. When in civilian clothes and outdoors, stand at attention and place your right hand (with a hat if wearing one) over your heart."

There is no formal protocol required for Taps.

As members of Air Combat Command, we must always be ready to serve our nation's call. Let the addition of Reveille and Taps serve as a reminder of our commitment to one another and our readiness to project full spectrum Air Power in the protection of our great nation and its allies.