Command chief urges proper respect for flag

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. John Dougherty
  • AFNWC and 377th Air Base Wing command chief
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  From childhood, "respect" has rung true in the development of my social values. I was taught to respect my elders, authority, people, and, in particular, the United States flag.

Today we celebrate Flag Day. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the American flag as a symbol of our nation. Nearly 139 years later, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring June 14 as "Flag Day." Every day, and especially today, we show respect for our flag.

Respect is the positive feeling of esteem or deference for a person or an entity, so I am not surprised by the volume of support our flag gets on this special day, and throughout the year. I think America, as a society, greatly respects our flag.

Our congressional leaders are further proof that America supports respect for the flag.

In 2008 and again in 2009, congressional leaders, based on input from their constituents, pushed through the National Defense Authorization Acts, which authorized veterans and military members the authority to render the military salute to the flag when not in uniform.

Two Air Force Instructions define the rules. AFI 34-1201 Protocol, and AFI 1-1, Air Force Standards, state what to do if one is outdoors or in a vehicle and Reveille or Retreat plays.

On Kirtland, we pay respect to our flag.

For two to three minutes each day, we respect the flag during morning Reveille and afternoon Retreat. At precisely 7 a.m. each weekday, every military and civilian employee must take the opportunity to pay respect to the flag during Reveille's bugle call and the playing of "To the Colors."

It only takes a minute or so, and each of us is consciously aware the music plays each day at the same time.

When outdoors, military members stop and face the flag (or facing the direction of the music if you can't see the flag) and render a hand salute.

The same rule applies if you are in your vehicle, except that you only need to safely stop or pull over and sit quietly in your car while the music plays.

Security Forces gate entry controllers normally assist us in this process each day by stopping the flow of traffic, in and out of the gates during these short musical periods.

Today is the anniversary of our nation's adoption of the flag as its national symbol. Today is the day we need to respect the flag.

As you come to work, and go home, think about the time of day, stop for two to three minutes, and pay respect to the flag with a hand salute or by sitting quietly in your car. Respect Old Glory.