Reveille and Retreat; Why do some people not stop to salute?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:44:59 -0500

How hard is it to stop and pay respect to the nations flag? I am sure everyone has seen it before, Soldiers running to hide or hurrying up to get off post so they don't have to stop and salute the flag. I know most military bases have road blocks or stop traffic when they play reveille or retreat. But what about civllians? Most of them just continue with what they are doing like nothing is happening. Shouldn't they pause what they are doing and atleast place their hand over their heart? Maybe it is just me, but I don't understand why that is so hard to do.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 17 at 2014 11:47 AM

SPC David S. — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:47:59 -0500

I see this a lot at sporting events. Most are 100% American and do it right but there are those that don't take the hats off, talking and grab-assing around. To me it doesn't seem like an impossible feat, yet to some I guess it is. Merica

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 10:18 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 22:18:14 -0500

Unfortunately I see this as a learning issue. Most junior ranks learn from the mid level supervisor who when junior learned this from their supervisor and the cycle continues. Best thing is to have some integrity and do the right thing, correct others when necessary. I have seen several people lined up at the exchange doors a few minutes before (all ranks enlisted/officer) who don't want to get "caught" by the music. I feel good when I push past them and render salute when the music plays because I feel I'm doing the right thing.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Nov 17 at 2014 10:31 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 22:31:24 -0500

Sorry to say that each and every time that the national anthem is played I can find several people disrespecting it by talking, eating, leaving their hat on, sitting or simply walking along ignoring it. I have never said anything even though I have always wanted to...if someone has a clever retort I would love to hear it.

Response by SFC Dave Joslin made Nov 17 at 2014 10:39 PM

SFC Dave Joslin — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 22:39:18 -0500

This is something that has disturbed me since I was a Dependent growing up all over the world. I started making on the spot corrections for this at about 13. I have been notorious at some posts (where it is expected for you to stop your vehicle and dismount and render a salute if you are in uniform) for pulling a herring-bone stop to block two lanes to force the issue. But that's just me......