For as long as I can remember, I have held those who wear our nation’s uniforms in the highest regard. It is an honor to be able to serve, and to do so with no other motive than to simply serve. The American flag has stood as a symbol of freedom and justice throughout history. The sight of the flag has given notice that democracy lives. No other symbol captures the power and glory of our nation like the American flag.
From time to time we need to be reminded of the customs and traditions we are bound by in honoring this national symbol – one for which many men and women before us fought and died.
The playing of the national anthem each day shows honor and respect for our nation’s symbol of freedom. We must do our part in honoring our symbol of freedom.
Aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, I have witnessed actions that were not within keeping of military standards and customs — behavior that displays a total disregard of honoring and respecting our national flag. Individuals walk while the national anthem is playing and motorists do not halt when the flag is being raised in the morning or lowered in the evening.
As a reminder, a warning is sounded five minutes prior to the raising and lowering of the flag. At the sound of ‘‘Attention,” individuals will stop and face the flagstaff or the direction of the music and stand at attention. If in uniform, render a salute on the first note of ‘‘The Star-Spangled Banner,” ‘‘To the Colors,” or ‘‘Retreat” and terminate the salute on the last note. Remain at attention facing the flagstaff⁄music until ‘‘Carry On” is sounded. Occupants operating vehicles during morning or evening colors will halt their vehicles until ‘‘Carry On” is sounded.
The base honor guard raises and lowers the flag each day. It is raised at 8 a.m. every morning and lowered at sunset. I expect all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico to lead by example and to set the standards for others to follow. I would like to remind everyone that this is the proper procedure of paying tribute to our flag while aboard any military installation. We must do the right thing, even when no one is looking, all the time.
Semper Fidelis
Editor’s note: Reference for this article is taken from Marine Corps Order P5060.20.
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story