Honor guard highlights importance of respect for reveille, retreat

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mark Lyle
  • Base Honor Guard
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  I was driving on base at approximately 7:28 a.m. June 5. It was about 78 degrees, the wind was calm, the sun was shining, the birds were singing. The car ahead of me was stopped and pulled to the right side of the road. I immediately followed the car in front of me and pulled over. 

Not seconds after I pulled to the right, four other vehicles passed us, the motorists seeming to be in a hurry to get to their destination, while ignoring the playing of Reveille. 

For many, the playing of "Reveille" and "Retreat" may seem a burden that keeps them from getting to one destination or another in the mornings and evenings. It makes some hide inside their buildings waiting for the "all clear" signal. It makes some move faster than they have ever moved before, trying to gain cover. 

"Reveille" originated in 1812 and was used to muster units or as a means to conduct roll call. It also was used to signal sentries to leave off night challenging; it was not originally intended as honors for the flag. 

"Retreat" was first used by the French Army and dates back to the Crusades. The American Army has used this bugle call since the Revolutionary War. When you hear it, you are listening to a beautiful melody that has come to symbolize the finest qualities of military members everywhere for nearly 900 years. Retreat has always been at sunset and its original purpose was to notify sentries to start challenging until sunrise (which means to "halt" and demand identification) and to tell the rank and file to go to their quarters and stay there. 

Today, "Reveille" and "Retreat" ceremonies serve a twofold purpose. They signal the beginning and ending of the official duty day and serve as ceremonies for paying respect to the flag and those who serve it. Both ceremonies constitute a dignified homage to our national flag from its raising in the morning to its lowering in the evening. 

At Wright-Patterson, "Reveille" and "Retreat" are broadcast over the base loudspeaker system at 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. respectively. The proper response for military members in uniform during "Reveille" and "Retreat" is to face the flag or the direction of the sound of the music and stand at parade rest. When the flag is being lowered or the music is heard playing, come to attention and render a salute. Reveille is preceded by the bugle call, "To the colors." Retreat is followed by the national anthem. The salute is held until the flag is lowered or the music ends. 

Military members in uniform performing flightline duties are exempt from rendering military courtesies during "Reveille" and "Retreat"; however, when on the flightline and not performing flightline duties, proper courtesies will be rendered by both military and civilian members. 

The proper response for civilians is to stand at attention, face the flag or music and place their right hand over their hearts. Vehicles on the installation should stop during both "Reveille" and "Retreat." Passengers should turn down radios and remain quietly seated. 

On the morning of June 5, I didn't really know the history behind "Reveille." It wasn't until later that I took the time, looked it up and discovered its origin. I pass it on to you so that the next time you hear "Reveille" or "Retreat," you will remember the history behind these honorable ceremonies. Hopefully, you will take a minute or two out of your busy day and reflect on the flag of this great country we live in. You will stop and remember all of the men and women who have given their lives for the freedoms that we so often take for granted. 

What I later found out June 5 is that: 

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Balmer, 33, of Indiana, died in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. 

Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Kuglics, 25, of Ohio, died of wounds sustained when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Kirkuk, Iraq. 

Army Pfc. Timothy Vimoto, 19, of Kentucky, died of wounds sustained when his unit in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire. 

Army Sgt. Andrew Higgins, 28, of California, died of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces in Baqubah, Iraq, using small-arms fire. 

Army Pfc. Justin Verdeja, 20, of California, died of wounds sustained when his unit in Baghdad, Iraq was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire. 

If, during "Reveille" or "Retreat," remembering history is not enough, then pause and remember the men and women who are currently in harm's way and who may be called on at any time to give the ultimate sacrifice: their lives. 

As a member of the honor guard, I can tell you how real and close to home that sacrifice is for me. The base honor guard escorted Sgts. Balmer and Kuglics to their final resting places. They will never hear the national anthem or be able to salute the flag again, but we have the opportunity to honor them each and every day by stopping and rendering the proper courtesies when "Reveille" and "Retreat" are played. 

"Reveille" takes only 110 seconds and "Retreat" 122 seconds. Both are small sacrifices for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.