Many of you have probably seen military personnel observe colors (the raising or
lowering of the flag...aka the national Ensign). During these ceremonies,
military personnel in uniform are required to stop what they are doing and
salute the flag until the raising or lowering is complete. If the Star Spangled
Banner is played, you are to maintain the salute until the last note is played.
If military personnel are not in uniform, they are still allowed to salute if outside, however, you are required to stop, (remove your hat), look in the direction of the flag (or music if you cannot see the flag) and put your hand over your heart. The same protocol (except the salute) is encouraged for
civilians to follow as well. If in a vehicle during the same time, you are suppose to pull your vehicle to a stop, turn down or off any music, and they say "sit at attention" which I infer to mean...be respectful until the ceremony is complete. If there is no flag being lowered or raised during reveille (the morning) or retreat (the evening), you are not required to take any action. Sometimes, reveille or retreat is simply signaled by a bugle call. Hope that's not too confusing, but it is important to know how to respond when the time
comes...whether you are in the military or not :-)!
lowering of the flag...aka the national Ensign). During these ceremonies,
military personnel in uniform are required to stop what they are doing and
salute the flag until the raising or lowering is complete. If the Star Spangled
Banner is played, you are to maintain the salute until the last note is played.
If military personnel are not in uniform, they are still allowed to salute if outside, however, you are required to stop, (remove your hat), look in the direction of the flag (or music if you cannot see the flag) and put your hand over your heart. The same protocol (except the salute) is encouraged for
civilians to follow as well. If in a vehicle during the same time, you are suppose to pull your vehicle to a stop, turn down or off any music, and they say "sit at attention" which I infer to mean...be respectful until the ceremony is complete. If there is no flag being lowered or raised during reveille (the morning) or retreat (the evening), you are not required to take any action. Sometimes, reveille or retreat is simply signaled by a bugle call. Hope that's not too confusing, but it is important to know how to respond when the time
comes...whether you are in the military or not :-)!