I started working as a contractor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey this week. This morning for the first time, I witnessed colors - people in uniform saluted and I think cars even stopped driving. It's an awesome thing to see, but I wasn't sure exactly what I (civilian) was supposed to do, so I just stopped and stood until everyone else started moving again.
What is the proper behavior for a civilian? And if I'm in a car when it starts, do I stop driving?
2007-10-04 04:56:57 · 8 answers · asked by Carrot 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes, do stop your car, it's usually a base order, and the MP's on base might give you an earful otherwise. If you're outside your car, simply face the flag, remove any hat you might be wearing, and place your hand over your heart, just like at a ballgame.
2007-10-04 05:02:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Okay, first off, jealousy. I miss Monterey big time. have some garlic fries at Archie's for me.
as a Civilian, it is respectful to stop walking until Colors has completed. It is not necessary to put your hand over your heart during the playing of the National Anthem unless you feel moved to do so. If Male, remove head coverings.
While Driving, I have seen both stopping and staying in the car as well as stepping out of the car and standing respectfully.
General Rule of thumb is: if you can hear it, you stop. even if you cannot actually see the Flags being raised.
2007-10-04 12:27:42 · answer #2 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For a civilian:
If you're driving, stop your car.
If you're walking, remove any hat, stop and face the nearest flag... if no flag is visible, face the sound of the music (direction most prevalent from a PA System) or towards the base HQ Flag Post. If the national anthem is played, put your hand over your heart.
For military the procedure is the same, except when the colors are played we stand at attention and salute.
2007-10-04 12:04:11 · answer #3 · answered by promethius9594 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I used to work on a military base as a civilian and you do what the other people are doing. Stop your car if you're driving, or you will be stopped by the MP's. Face the flag if you are near it and stop walking. It only takes a few moments.
2007-10-04 12:34:31 · answer #4 · answered by Princess of the Realm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing. Stop your car in a safe place, get out of your car and stand respectfully facing the flag. You could also, if you wish, place your right hand over your heart, as you did when you said the pledge of allegiance as a child or when the national anthem is played at sporting events.
I agree, it is an awesome thing and in 22 years in the military, I never got tired of it.
This rule applies only during morning colors and evening colors.
2007-10-04 12:38:01 · answer #5 · answered by floridaladylaw 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Staff Sergeant got it correct... to the letter.
It IS an awesome thing to see each morning, precisely at 0800. I was stationed at NAS North Island, NAS Moffett Field, with visits to NAS Pensacola, NAS Memphis, NAS Barbers' Point, NAS Atsugi, and NS Pearl Harbor.
Always wished I could have visited NPS.
2007-10-04 12:32:25 · answer #6 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when I was in the ROTC we were taught that when either Morning or evening color sounds, you are to stop exit the vehicle and if you are not in uniform you place your right hand over your heart as a sign of respect until the last note sounds and then you resume.
2007-10-04 12:54:34 · answer #7 · answered by bob t 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be stationed there, at DLI and then as staff as NPS. Its awesome, isn't it? You should stop what you're doing and what for the carry on sounds. There's no rule saying civilians have to, but it is protocol among contractors to do so.
2007-10-04 12:04:39 · answer #8 · answered by Denise S 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋