Reveille, retreat and taps begin May 7

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  When Iceman Team members hear Reveille every morning at 7 a.m., Retreat every evening at 5:00 p.m., and Taps every night at 10 p.m., they should know how and when to render the proper respect. 

Reveille -- two bugle calls and the raising of the flag in front of Amber Hall-- signifies the start of the official duty day. 

The first bugle call is "Reveille" - people outside should stop and stand at PARADE REST facing the flag or in the direction the music is coming from if a flag is not visible.
After the first bugle call people should come to ATTENTION in preparation for the second bugle call "To the Colors." 

On the first note of "To the Colors," if in uniform, SALUTE. 

If not in uniform, to include civilians, place your right hand over your heart. 

Take your hat off if you are in civilian clothes with your right hand and put your right hand over your heart. 

After the last note, continue on your way. 

Retreat--a bugle call followed by the National Anthem and the lowering of the flag--signifies the end of the official duty day. 

The bugle call is "Retreat" -- people outside should stop and stand at PARADE REST facing the flag or in the direction the music is coming from if a flag is not visible. 

After the bugle call, people should stand at ATTENTION in preparation for the National Anthem. 

On the first note of the National Anthem, if in uniform SALUTE. 

If not in uniform, to include civilians, place your right hand over your heart. 

Take your hat off if you are in civilian clothes with your right hand and put your right hand over your heart. 

After the last note, continue on your way. 

Taps -- is played alone to honor service members who paid the ultimate price. 

People in uniform should SALUTE in the direction the music is coming from. 

If not in uniform, to include civilians, place your right hand over your heart. 

After the last note, continue on your way. 

If driving -- safely pull to the side of the road and wait quietly until the last note before proceeding. 

DO NOT -- take off on a dead sprint to a building 30 feet away when you hear the first notes of the bugle call in order to get out of showing the proper respect to your country and fellow service members. 

Take pride in having the opportunity to pay respect to the flag and the freedoms it stands for, and take great pride in honoring those who have served before us. 

Reveille, Retreat and Taps will begin on May 7.