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Kadena Protocol, first sergeant explain music customs, courtesies

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  (As the first of a series of "customs and courtesies" articles, this particular story focuses on the respect given to the musical heritage of the U.S. military.)

For centuries, militaries from different countries across the globe have used music to signal their troops - a tradition that still remains true in the U.S. military today with the sounding of "Reveille," "To the Colors," the national anthem and "Taps."

During these calls, service members, government-employed civilians and their families stationed on military bases around the world recognize more than a simple tune - they are moved to a sense of pride for the country they're so proudly serving.

"I think it's important, because it helps us remember," said Master Sgt. Delana Jemison, 18th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant. "We all joined the military behind hundreds of thousands of people who came before us and sacrificed themselves, their families and their personal agendas, whatever they might be, and it just helps us stop and take not even five minutes to remember the people who came before us."

Any person who has ever lived near a military base has probably become accustomed to the typical tunes announced periodically through the day. On Kadena, that means the playing of "Reveille" at 6 a.m., "To the Colors" at 5 p.m. followed by the playing of the "Kimigayo," the Japanese national anthem, and "The Star Spangled Banner," and the solemn conclusion of the day with "Taps" at 9 p.m.

Though the protocol for respecting these signals is standard for U.S. military bases around the world, there are different sets of procedures for service members to follow depending on whether the flag is flying half of each day or indefinitely. Because the flags on Kadena fly for 24 hours, Air Force instructions don't mandate actions to be taken here during "Reveille," "To the Colors" or "Taps," but only during "The Star Spangled Banner" and the "Kimigayo."

Though no action is taken while indoors, if outdoors during the anthems, members should stop and render a salute if in uniform or, if in civilian attire, either render a salute or place their right hand over their hearts. Civilians should also show their respect to the nations' flags by placing their hands over their hearts. If in a vehicle, all drivers should stop and turn on their hazard lights to alert other drivers until the conclusion of the songs.

Scott Wolfe, 18th Wing Protocol chief, said this ritual shouldn't be performed every day just because the AFIs tell us to, but because it's a time to pay tribute and show respect for the nation's fallen heroes.

"It's paying tribute to not only our country with 'The Star Spangled Banner,' it's also paying tribute to our host country in remembering the sacrifices both countries have made in their long tradition of military service," Wolfe said. "As a military family member, I'm honoring the military people who serve during the national anthem."

Though most of us have been caught unexpectedly by the music right before we walk out the door of a building, Jemison said there's no shame in walking out to pay respect to those who have fought and fallen for their country.

"I have mixed feelings about [walking out during the music]," said Jemison. "It's kind of like walking into a ceremony, but I have huge respect and compassion for the person [who] will walk out there and render the proper customs and courtesies because they want to. I think that's beautiful, actually. I encourage it, but I don't have any [distaste] for anyone who will stop and wait for the music to finish."