3/9/2009 - GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- How many of you run for your cars or run for the building at about 4:58 p.m., right around the time Retreat begins to play? How many times have you tried to excuse your way out of retreat ceremonies? To be honest, we have all probably done it at one time or another, but let's take a moment to think about what the ceremony actually represents.
We are paying respect to our nation's flag, which has flown over our country for more than 200 years. This is the flag that was flown on D-Day, the flag that was raised on Iwo Jima, the flag that was flown in Baghdad after the fall of Saddam Hussein and the flag that continues to fly all over the world even to this day.
Think about what that flag represents; think about those who have given their lives in the defense of that flag. Every time I stand for retreat, every time the colors are presented at the many ceremonies I attend, I still, to this day, get goose bumps thinking about those who went before me and paved the way for me to serve my country.
Every day, when I come to work at the 17th Security Forces Squadron, I pass by a memorial to Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, a Goodfellow warrior who gave her life in defense of this great country. It humbles me each and every day. Airman Jacobson fought and died for her country; I can at least take three to five minutes out of my day to pay respect to that flag under which she served.
I encourage each and every one of you to think about those who have gone before us and paved the way for us every time you hear retreat. We owe them that honor and respect. They, and our nation, have earned it.
I know what you mean T-bird. Many may not know what you mean or maybe not around a base, fort, naval base, etc...but I am a military brat, and I was in the military and I must admit I have done this what you are talking about........shame on me. I have a 24 year old son who is a MP in the Army and he reminds me everyday when I shop at the PX to take time and honor this.....thanks for the reminder......
I must clarify something, I always honor the flag, I was talking about when on a military base and they have the thing where you stop where you are and honor the flag, that is where I have left work early and didn't do that sometimes........the stopping part......
