Page 49 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2017

“The cross arm is part of Navy history,” says Command Master
Chief David Garcia. “It’s always been a way for ships to fly pennants to communicate at sea. The pennants might warn of foul weather or indicate a ship’s accomplishments.”
Each day begins at 8 a.m. with
raising of the United States flag as the National Anthem is played. Residents in some parts of Gulfport can set
their clocks by hearing the National Anthem. The day ends with lowering the flag at sunset. “The lowering of the flag at sunset also follows a maritime tradition” Garcia said.
Garcia, who advises the commanding officer on enlisted matters, points
out that military personnel must stop wherever they are and render a salute when the National Anthem is played on base. If they’re driving, they must stop out of respect.
Each branch of the military has an Honor Guard that plays a vital role
in maintaining tradition. At NCBC Gulfport, 18 Sailors volunteer their services and participate in military funerals, parades and events such as Biloxi Shuckers home games. “They are enlisted Sailors who are about to be transferred or retire,” says SW1 Corey Cooper who leads the guard, “and it requires a good bit of practice. We serve Mississippi and parts of Alabama and Louisiana for military funerals.”
Yeoman Megan Burke explains the custom of saluting by active duty men and women, “Enlisted personnel salute officers as a courtesy and hold the salute until the officer releases the returning salute.”
ALL SAILORS IN UNIFORM ARE REQUIRED TO SALUTE WHEN:
• They meet and recognize persons entitled (by grade) to a salute.
• When the United States National Anthem, “To the Color,” “Hail
to the Chief,” or foreign national anthems are played.
• To uncased National Colors outdoors.
• On ceremonial occasions such as changes of command or funerals.
• At reveille and retreat ceremonies, during the raising or lowering of the flag.
• During the sounding of honors.
• When pledging allegiance to the
U.S. flag outdoors.
• When turning over control of
formations.
• When rendering reports.
• To officers of friendly foreign
countries.
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