These kids understand

Evening colors is something that I have always loved since I first joined the Navy.  It is a simple ceremony that marks the end of the day, but more importantly, it is an expression of reverence for our flag and the nation it represents.  We retire the colors at the end of the day because it is not fitting or proper for the flag to be flown when not illuminated for all to see.  As the colors are slowly lowered, retreat is played and all personnel outdoors render honors.  Throughout the base nearly all movement ceases, cars stop and those on foot face the flag and render their salute.  Stillness settles over everything, broken only by the sound of a bugler playing retreat.  Evening colors on Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard bases is performed at sunset which means the ceremony is often lit by the warm pastel glow of the sun as it disappears below the horizon.  To my mind, there is no more beautiful ceremony in the military than evening colors.

There were many times when I was in the Navy where I would take a moment to reflect on the meaning of service to my country.  Often it was during evening colors.  Standing there, at attention, saluting our nation's flag, I would think about those who had gone before me in service of this great nation.  Those who quietly went about their duties and brave men who gave everything; all serving their country and the promise of freedom it represents.  They all understood that defense of our liberty required that they sacrifice and put the needs of the nation ahead of their own.  The flag that I was saluting was the physical manifestation of the greatness of our nation and the sacrifice required to make it so.  This was the flag that color bearers in the Civil War so often gave their lives to keep aloft.  This was the flag that thousands of Marines gave their lives to raise above Mount Suribachi. 

I am so glad that there are still Americans who understand this and that they passing the lessons on to their children.