Reveille; honoring tradition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  7:29 a.m., while making the daily commute to work on base, a familiar song plays on the radio so naturally you turn up the volume and continue driving. Running a little late, you hit the gas, not noticing the cars around you have come to a stop and pedestrian servicemembers are saluting. 

This, unfortunately, is becoming a negative trend among those who either don't know what the bugle sounding over the giant voice intercom signifies, or completely ignore it. Even some wearing the uniform are failing to recognize the time-honored tradition of reveille. Instead they dash to their car or duck into the nearest building. 

Now imagine a war veteran, who fought in World War II and the Korean War, standing at attention. A hunch in his back prevents him from perfect posture, but despite the pain he remains still. Remembering the brothers in arms he lost in battle, giving their lives in defense of liberty and justice, as the national anthem plays a tear begins to stream down his cheek, unashamed. It isn't the first time he has heard the sound of the bugle or the Star Spangled Banner play, he's listened to it and honored it for the past 50 years. It's just that he remembers why we pay tribute to tradition. 

Reveille was originally conducted as "Troop" in 1812 and was designed to muster the unit or for roll call and additionally to signal sentries to leave off night challenging. Though it was not originally intended to, today reveille is conducted to honor the U.S. flag as it is raised in the morning. 

Here at Eglin, the reveille ceremony begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Star Spangled Banner accompanying on Fridays. All cars on base must come to a complete stop and turn the radio all the way down until the music ends. Those outside walking should immediately stop, face the direction of the flag or their perceived origin of the music, and stand at parade rest. When the national anthem plays, salute, unless you are in PT gear, in which case you simply stand at attention. Civilians are to stop and prepare to place hand over their heart once the Star Spangled Banner commences. 

On Fridays, when the reveille is accompanied with the raising of the flag, the ceremony takes place in the vicinity of the base flagstaff in front of bldg. 1. Three Airmen march to a pre-designated position near the flagstaff, halt, face toward the flagstaff and dress. The flag security detail at this time stop and go to the position of parade rest. The highest ranking Airman in charge then, at the specified time for reveille, calls the flag detail to the position of attention, moves to the flagstaff and attaches the flag to the halyards. As the music plays, the flag is raised briskly and once secured they salute until the music ends. 

Sure the sound of the bugle or the playing of the national anthem may stop you momentarily from what you were doing. But the tradition and honor that accompanies the music deserve more than gripes and complaints. Next time you hear the giant intercom system while on your way to work, try to remember the war veteran and his fallen comrades. 

(Editor's note: This is the first story in the Patriotism series. These articles are aimed at promoting awareness of American and military tradition.)