Edwards to resume Retreat ceremonies June 28

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Base officials say Retreat ceremonies will commence Monday, June 28, and will send another base-wide announcement to remind folks.

When Retreat is reinstated, Monday through Friday, an audio file will be played over the Giant Voice System at 4:30 p.m. The file is approximately two minutes long, in which Retreat shall be played, followed by the National Anthem.

The Retreat ceremony serves a two-fold purpose. It signals the end of the official duty day and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag. Because the time for the end of the duty day varies for different base agencies, Col. Jerry L. Gandy, 95th Air Base Wing commander, has designated 4:30 p.m. as the specific time for Edwards' retreat ceremonies.

Upon hearing Retreat, certain actions are required of military members and the base populace:

For military members in uniform or not in uniform, at the first sound of Retreat, stop where you are and turn to face the flag. In a case where the flag is not visible, turn in the general direction of the flag or the music. When in uniform, stand at parade rest. If not in uniform, protocol still dictates that you stop and face the flag or music out of respect.

When the Retreat music concludes, come to attention and render a salute when the first note of the National Anthem is played. Service members will lower their salute when the final note is finished.

When not in uniform: Service members and veterans not in uniform may still render a salute if they so desire during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the flag. As a minimum, those not in uniform should come to attention and place your right hand over your heart. Remove your hat with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder while your right hand is over the heart.

Those in the Air Force physical fitness uniform will follow the same procedures as if they were in uniform when outdoors.

When driving, on the first note of Retreat, bring the moving vehicle safely to a complete stop as you would if an emergency vehicle were approaching. Then put the car in park. Base guidance is that people turn off any music playing in the vehicle. Everyone inside the vehicle, including the driver, should remain seated and still until the last note of the National Anthem is finished.

Base leadership has decided not to place speakers around 55 mph zones.

"We avoided most high-speed zones due to safety issues," said Master Sgt. James Joyner, 95th Air Base Wing command post superintendent. "There is only one 55 mph zone that's included and that's right near the museum. Mainly it's going to be Main Base, housing and some speakers on South Base."

Civilian employees on base are asked to participate as well. Upon hearing the start of Retreat, civilians should generally follow the same procedures as a military member who is not in uniform with the exception of coming to attention.

"The minimum expected action is to at least come to a standstill and remain silent while the National Anthem is being played," said Sergeant Joyner.

"At the end of the day it's about honoring the flag. It is about customs and courtesies to the flag and remembering those who came before us," Sergeant Joyner said.

For more information, call Sergeant Joyner at 277-3040.