Throughout NSA Washington’s bases, which embody the Washington Navy Yard, and Naval Help Amenities Arlington, Suitland, Carderock and Naval Observatory, colours is noticed day by day at 8 a.m. The nationwide ensign is hoisted neatly up a flagpole, flown all through the day, then lowered gently at sundown. Morning colours is accompanied by the nationwide anthem, whereas night colours is accompanied by the taking part in of Retreat. Morning and Night colours are noticed day-after-day with out exception.
In response to Naval District Washington’s Director of Ceremonies and Particular Occasions, Stuart McLean, Colours was first initiated by the Royal Navy in 1797, after which adopted by america Navy in 1843.
“Royal Navy Archives state the apply of Morning Colours started in 1797, when Admiral Lord St. Vincent, Admiral of the Fleet, Royal Navy, began the custom of elevating and decreasing the ensign and jack following a mutiny at Spithead, a Royal Navy anchorage close to Plymouth, England,” mentioned Mclean. “In 1843, the U.S. Navy adopted the British custom of each Morning and Night Colours. The 1843 Guidelines and Laws for the Authorities of the Navy supplied these necessities: If sundown have been after 6:00 p.m, morning colours can be at 8:00 a.m; in any other case, the colours would begin at 9:00 a.m. This was up to date within the 1870s when the time for morning colours have been definitively moved to eight:00 a.m.”
Service members and civilians participate on this long-standing custom to replicate on the sacrifices of the ladies and men who devoted their lives to guard our nation’s shores from foes. To many, this tradition is rooted in a way of deep pleasure and is an emblem of admiration.
Cmdr. Terry McNamara, NSA Washington govt officer, appreciates the custom and what it represents.
“I’ll by no means get bored with observing colours,” mentioned McNamara. “It provides me an amazing quantity of pleasure realizing what the flag represents. It stands for what we battle for, why we serve and present up day-after-day.”
Throughout NSA Washington, the “First Name” to colours is performed over the set up’s public tackle system at 7:55 a.m., adopted by “consideration” and the nationwide anthem at 8 a.m., concluding with “keep on” when the nationwide anthem is over. That is over the identical system used for emergency bulletins, that are broadcast at a louder quantity; colours is performed on the lowest setting, which is greater than enough for folks to listen to it all through the bottom.
Throughout colours, service members are required to cease all actions, face the flag, come to consideration, and salute till the “keep on” sign is given. In some instances when the flag will not be seen, they’re to face the path of the music and carry out these actions. Equally, civilians are anticipated to cease, face the flag and stand at consideration with the fitting hand over the guts. Automobiles within reach or listening to of the ceremony are additionally required to cease and pull safely on the facet of the street till the carry-on sign is given.
“As a former service member and veteran, I’m at all times moved by morning and night colours,” mentioned McLean. “For some motive, I discover night colours to be a bit of extra poignant.”
