Show respect for National Anthem, colors

During mornings, “Reveille” signals the beginning of the duty day and is played at 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, followed by “To the Colors.” “Retreat” signals the end of the duty day and is played at 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Motorists should come to a complete stop upon hearing music during these times. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman 1st Class Taylor Curry)

Show respect for National Anthem, Colors

Published Feb. 9, 2012
By John Gahagan
92nd Force Support Squadron

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- On my way home, once again I watched the same trend I've noticed over the last several years: Fewer of us pull over and stop during the playing of our National Anthem and National Colors at the end of the duty day. On no particular day, I happened to stop at a vantage point where I could plainly see that I was the only car stopped on the road where I observed at least 20 cars moving on base, most of which were heading to exit. I was even passed by a jeep whose driver apparently had never given any thought to why a car may have been pulled over and stopped at 5 p.m.

Everyone on the base is aware that the National Anthem is played at 5 p.m. Whether or not our music is too loud in the car, can't hear with the windows up, or yes, even on our cell phones, we can pretty much count on it. We all know when we left the office and are aware of when the music will play, so there is no excuse for not pulling over and rendering the proper respect to our flag. I leave my office just before 5 p.m. with the radio off and window cracked in anticipation of hearing the National Anthem and another opportunity for me to pay respect to our "fallen" and to show my gratitude to those who daily put their lives on the line for our nation's freedom.

What I initially thought was people being inattentive, I'm realizing now is the slow erosion of the significance we place on our freedom or how much more we take it for granted. I often believe we can no longer tell the difference between assaults on our freedoms or giving them away, which leads me to wonder whether or not we have already fallen into enemy hands by surrendering our time honored traditions, customs and courtesies.