Quote:
Originally Posted by TheVillageChicken
Here is something much worse. I was a career military man, and have seen literally hundreds of men and women in uniform frantically run into buildings when the first note of Retreat was heard. They did this to avoid having to stand at attention and salute while the flag was being lowered at the end of the duty day. Many of them received a tongue lashing from yours truly. In one case, a repeat offender ended up with some non-judicial punishment for conduct unbecoming an NCO.
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It's been so long, I may have forgotten. But I used to love the sound of retreat. I seem to remember that when we first heard retreat, we would turn and face the flag in a position of parade rest. When the first note of the National Anthem was played, we would come to attention and salute. Of course, like many others, to this day I cannot hear a bugle play taps without having to fight very hard to control my emotions.
To absent comrades! "We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call [to serve] and served the cause of freedom in a special way. We are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured the agonies of pain, deprivation and death. Let us remember - and never forget their sacrifice.
May they and their families ever be watched over and protected."