ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. (Aug. 22, 2013) -- Every day at 1700 (5 p.m.) local time on military bases all around the world, the haunting tones of Retreat are played, followed by the booming blast of a modified M1905 field gun, and the stirring notes of To the Colors ending the ceremony.
To the average person, the daily retreat ceremony may seem unnecessary when lowering the flag. To the service members and civilians of the United States Armed Forces, it is an opportunity to respect traditions, and honor our American flag.
The retreat ceremony actually has two distinct sections. The first bugle call, Retreat, is approximately 29 seconds long, the second part, To the Colors, is 42 seconds long.
According to Training Circular (Field Manual) 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies, the term Retreat is taken from the French word "retraite" and refers to the evening ceremony. The retreat bugle call was first used by the French army and dates back to the Crusades. Retreat sounded at sunset to notify sentries to start challenging, until sunrise, and to tell the rank and file to go to their quarters. The ceremony remains as a tradition. The old cavalry call, To the Standard, in use from about 1835, was replaced by the present call of, To the Colors. This remains the music honoring the flag as it is lowered in the evening.
To the Colors seems to be an intimate part of the ceremony, but in fact, it is a stand in. When played, To the Colors is afforded the same respect as the playing of the national anthem.
The retreat ceremony may be initiated at the installation commander's discretion for special occasions.
During reveille and retreat ceremonies, all personnel on Rock Island Arsenal participating in outdoor activity (to include, but not limited to, walking, individual/unit physical training) should stop their activity to show respect for the flag, according to Army Regulation 600-25, Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy.
In the interest of safety on Rock Island Arsenal, drivers are not required to stop driving, except on Rodman Avenue between Gillespie Avenue and Pershing Street during reveille or retreat ceremonies. Barricades are placed in front of Bldg. 361, when the ceremonies are being conducted and should not be passed.
All drivers and passengers, military or civilian, who are stopped at those barricades, are expected to exit or dismount their vehicles - to include motorcycles and bicycles - and render honors as described above. On all other Rock Island Arsenal streets however, stopping is suggested, within the limits of safety.
When the first notes of Retreat are heard, everyone should immediately stop and face the flag. If the flag is not visible, turn in the general direction of the flag or toward the direction of the music. On Rock Island Arsenal, you should face toward Constitution Square, where Bldg. 361, the installation flagpole is located.
Service members not in formation and in uniform should go to the position attention.
Military civilians, civilians visiting the installation and service members not in uniform should remove their headgear with their right hand and stand at attention.
Once the cannon fires and To the Colors begin, you render the same honors as you would during the Star-Spangled Banner. For service members and veterans this is a hand salute and for everyone else placing your right hand over your heart. This will be held until the music ends.
According to Section 301(b) (1) of title 36, United States Code as approved in the Defense Authorization Acts of 2008 and 2009. Service members and veterans, not in uniform, may render a salute during reveille or retreat ceremonies; during all ceremonies involving the national anthem and/or hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag, members of the military and veterans who are present, but not in uniform may now render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform.
The retreat ceremony is conducted in similar ways at other installations, but the rules for motor vehicles are different. When visiting other installations, familiarize yourself with their guidelines to prevent an encounter with the local security forces.
Related Links:
Army Regulation 600-25, Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy
Section 301(b) (1) of title 36, United States Code
Training Circular (Field Manual) 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies
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