MEDIA CONTEST: Nuisance turns to honor - Crisp salute softens an Airman’s fury

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ACC MEDIA CONTEST --  Without doubt, there are many military members who have experienced some of the delays associated with the daily observances of reveille and retreat at military bases throughout the world.

I would even imagine there is more than one person at each base who has said an unpleasant word or two after being caught outside or in his or her vehicle when the base speaker systems began sounding the patriotic tunes.

I also used to be annoyed with these daily observances. While stationed at Dover Air
Force Base, Del., I regularly scheduled my arrival to and departure from work so I didn't get caught when the music started. I used to get angry when base officials had the gall to interrupt my busy schedule with this daily "nuisance."

That's how I used to feel, but a few moments of standing in the hot and humid summer sun in the Dover commissary parking lot helped me realize I was wrong.

After work one afternoon, I had to make a quick run to the commissary determined to complete my trip before the daily retreat ceremony began. In my rush, I parked as close as I could to the commissary's front door and ducked inside. I was so glad the music hadn't started and hoped I could make it back to my car before retreat began.

As luck would have it, a long line in the checkout lane slowed my progress. I began throwing a mental fit while walking toward my car carrying several grocery bags in each arm. I was halfway between the commissary door and my car when my luck ran out. The giant speaker nearby crackled to life with the introductory tones of retreat.

My mental fit grew to fury as I threw my bags on the ground and stood at attention. "What a pain," I began thinking while raising my hand in salute. "I can't believe I'll be late for dinner because of this."

But then I saw something that changed my mind. As I stood in the middle of the parking lot watching the heat ripples bounce off the asphalt, I began observing other people as they reacted to the beginning of retreat. Several military members rushed to their vehicles or the commissary and ducked inside to avoid paying respect to the flag. Other people in civilian clothes looked in the direction of the music then continued on their way, seemingly oblivious to what was going on.

But my focus turned to one old man who could have easily escaped the music. He had a slight hunch in his stance and his hair was silvery white. When I spotted him, his hand was literally on his car's door handle, and his wife was already seated in the car. But as soon as he heard the music, he slipped his hand off the handle, straightened his stance, turned toward the flag and snapped to attention.

I felt the guilt of my complete lack of appreciation wash over me like a wave. In that moment, I realized the meaning of reveille and retreat and felt like a heel as I watched the old man stand motionless until the last note of music faded away. I had to tell him what his gesture meant to me, so I ran toward him, no doubt looking like an idiot as I left my groceries in the middle of the parking lot while heading toward his car.

As I approached the man, he climbed in his car, unaware I was there to talk to him. I tapped on the window and told him in my shaky voice how appreciative I was and what his gesture meant to me. His response after I spoke to him made guilt rush over me again.

"Oh, it's no problem," he said. "I've been doing that for more than 50 years."

With his response, the military bearing I was trying so hard to maintain was gone. I began crying as I turned and walked back toward my car, ashamed of my selfish attitude.
I filled in the blanks for the old man, assuming he was probably a World War II or
Korean War veteran and thought of the sacrifice he and others like him made many years before I was born so I could enjoy the freedom I have today.

Needless to say, I don't mind taking a few moments to participate in reveille and retreat anymore. What used to be a nuisance is now an honor. I'm proud to serve my country and remember those who sacrificed for my freedom.

If you are one who thinks the daily ceremonies are only a pain, think of the old man and remember what he and others did to secure your freedom. It may just change your mind about the traditions of reveille and retreat.