COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Reveille and Retreat are played at military installations around the world to pay respect to our nation’s colors and the brave men and women who have fought for our freedom. The bugle calls, paired with “To the Color” and the National Anthem, are firmly rooted in military history. Defense Supply Center Columbus will join in this military tradition over the outdoor broadcast system beginning Jan. 6.
Below are details on the associated customs and courtesies for everyone on the installation during these ceremonial calls.
Reveille and “To the Color”: 8 a.m.
The morning bugle call known as Reveille mustered military units for roll call, but as time passed, it came to mark when the flag was raised in the morning and honors paid to it. “To the Color” will follow Reveille and requires the same courtesies as the National Anthem.
Retreat and the National Anthem: 5 p.m.
At the end of the workday, Retreat will sound followed by the National Anthem. Retreat is traditionally a time to secure the flag and pay respect to what it stands for.
What do I do when Reveille or Retreat is played?
During Reveille and Retreat, those outdoors should stop all activities and turn in the direction of the installation flag or music if the flag is not in view. Service members in uniform should go to the position of parade rest. Access control points shall also stop vehicular traffic. Exiting your vehicle is not required.
When do I come to attention and salute the flag?
Upon the first note of “To the Color” or the National Anthem, service members in uniform will come to attention and render a salute for the duration of the song. Civilians and military members not in uniform should remove any non-religious headgear and place their right hand over their heart.
Exception: Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform may render a salute during the hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag and during the National Anthem, according to Section 301(b)(1) of Title 36, United States Code, as approved in the Department of Defense Authorization Acts of 2008 and 2009.
What if I'm wearing my physical training uniform?
Proper military customs and courtesies apply while wearing the PT uniform.
What do I do if I’m driving at the time of Reveille or Retreat?
If operating a vehicle on the installation when Reveille or Retreat is played, bring your moving vehicle safely to a stop as you would if an emergency vehicle was approaching and put the car in park. Everyone in the vehicle should remain seated until “To the Color” or the National Anthem ends. In the interest of safety, drivers will be directed to stop at the main gate during Reveille and Retreat.
I have a guest visiting the installation. Do they need to observe the courtesies?
Yes. If sponsoring guests, including contractors, it is the responsibility of the sponsor to ensure visitors are aware of Reveille and Retreat protocols.
How long does each call last?
The morning call of Reveille and “To the Color” lasts approximately one and a half minutes. The evening call of Retreat and the National Anthem lasts approximately two minutes.
What if I can hear the bugle calls but I’m not currently on the Defense Supply Center Columbus?
DSCC has made every effort to ensure minimal impact to our local community and that sound levels are sufficient for installation purposes only. Those outside the installation do not need to observe customs and courtesies in the event they hear the bugle calls. The bugle calls are to be observed while on the installation only.
I’m not familiar with some of the music that will be played. Where can I listen to it?
Listen to the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” play the music here.
While the sound of the bugle may stop us momentarily from what we are doing, the tradition and honor that accompanies the music deserves a moment of our time. When you hear the music, try to remember our veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
For more information on observing these customs and courtesies, refer to Air Force Instruction 34-1201 and Army Regulation 600-25.