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Selfridge Flag Protocol FAQs

  • By 127th Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. flag is symbolic of the United States and the principles for which it stands. The national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is a declaration of reverence and loyalty to the United States with the flag as an emblem.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the different ways we observe customs and flag protocol while at Selfridge.

Do I salute the flag when I pass it?

Flags on stationary flagstaffs are only saluted during, “Reveille,” “Retreat,” special ceremonies or when being raised or lowered.

What does, “Retreat,” sound like?

Retreat Bugle Call: It is the bugle call played immediately before the, “Star-Spangled Banner,” each day at 5:00 p.m.

Do I need to stop during, “Retreat?”

Yes. At Selfridge, we play, “Retreat,” as a prelude to the national anthem every day at 5 p.m. Therefore, even as a civilian, or servicemember in civilian clothes, you should stop and observe the proper protocol. (AFI 34-1201 8.1.5.2)

What do I do when "Retreat" is played if:

 I’m outside and in uniform?
Whether in PTU, OCP or dress, stop where you are, turn to face the flag, or in a case where the flag is not visible, turn in the general direction of the flag/sound and stand at parade rest.

I’m outside and in not in uniform?
Stop where you are, turn to face the flag, or in a case where the flag is not visible, turn in the general direction of the flag/sound. If not in uniform, protocol still dictates that you stop and face the flag or the music out of respect.

What do I do if I'm driving?
At the first note of, "Retreat" and the national anthem, you should bring your moving vehicle safely to a complete stop, as you would if an emergency vehicle were approaching, and put the car in park. Turn off any music playing in the vehicle. Everyone inside the vehicle, including the driver, should remain seated quietly, at attention until the last note of the anthem.

When do I come to attention and salute the flag?

Everyone comes to attention at the conclusion of, “Retreat,” and reacts as follows:

In uniform, render a salute when you hear the first note of the national anthem.
If you are servicemember not in uniform, or a veteran you may render a salute if preferred.
If civilian, stand at attention and place right hand (with a hat if wearing one) over your heart.

How long do I hold my salute?

Remain at attention saluting the flag until the national anthem has finished playing.

What if I am indoors?

When indoors, in uniform and not in formation, face the flag, or music if flag isn’t visible, and stand at attention when the national anthem (of any country) is played. Do not place your hand over your heart.

When indoors in civilian clothes, face the flag (or music) stand at attention when the national anthem is place and place your right hand over your heart. Exception: Do not place right hand over heart for national anthems of countries other than U.S.A.

What should I do if the national anthem of a friendly foreign country is played?

Flags and national anthems of friendly foreign countries are shown the same marks of respect as the U.S. national anthem and flag.

For more details on Air Force protocol and drill and ceremony, refer to:

AFI 34-1201
DAFPAM34-1203