AEDC personnel reminded to follow base flag and song courtesies

  • Published
  • By Raquel March
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Commander Col. Raymond Toth authorized that "Reveille" play at 7 a.m. each morning beginning Feb. 17.

"Reveille" is a bugle call at about sunrise signaling the first military formation of the day. The name comes from "réveillez", the French word for awaken. The "Reveille" signifies the beginning of the duty day for most employees at Arnold AFB and is therefore scheduled to play over the base public address system.

Due to the personnel structure of AEDC - which include military, government civil service employees and contractor employees - there are some proper respects that should be followed when the music for "Reveille" begins.

Whether in uniform or not in uniform, protocol dictates that you stop and face the flag or the music out of respect. At the first sounds of "Reveille", stop where you are and turn to face the flag, or in a case where the flag is not visible, turn in the general direction of the flag or the sound. If in uniform, stand at parade rest. Arms should be at your sides for government civilians and contract employees.

For employees already engaged in physical work and stopping your task will create a safety risk, continue to work but respect fellow workers who are observing the morning ceremonies.

If you are driving a vehicle during "Reveille", drive the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants should sit quietly at attention until the last note of the music plays.

The gate police officers stop traffic coming onto the base at 7 a.m. to coincide with the playing of "Reveille".

At 3:30 p.m. each day at AEDC, "The U.S. Air Force" song is played as a reminder of our heritage and to instill pride in our Air Force military personnel. It also serves to remind our government civilians and contract employees that we are also a part of the Air Force team in support of our national defense.

"The U.S. Air Force" song was written in 1938 by Robert MacArthur Crawford in response to General of the Air Force Henry "Hap" Arnold's song writing contest to help give the Army Air Corps its own musical identity. The original title of the song was "Army Air Corps." After the Army Air Corp became the Air Force in 1947, the song title changed to "Air Force Song." Today the official title is "The U.S. Air Force."

When "The U.S. Air Force" song is played, it is customary to stand, clap and join in singing. However, it isn't necessary for base personnel to clap and sing at the 3:30 p.m. playing of "The U.S. Air Force" song. Each individual should stand and face the music if outdoors. Do not salute.

AEDC personnel are instructed to observe the playing of the national anthem each day at 5 p.m. The "Retreat" will play before the national anthem to signal the end of the official day.

During the playing of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present - except those in uniform - should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. Veterans and service members not in uniform may render a salute during the national anthem if they so desire. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

Additionally, the gate police officers stop traffic at 5 p.m. to coincide with the playing of the national anthem.

If you are driving a vehicle during the playing of the national anthem, drive the car to the side of the road and stop. All occupants should sit quietly at attention until the last note of the music has played.