stupid question

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blackhawkmom

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Went to see DS over Presidents weekend. We went into DC for some sightseeing. Mid was a nervous wreck when we pulled into Arlington. Seems he wasn't sure while in uniform what he was to do while we watched the changing of the guard. We were walking down the hill he heard Taps --stopping immediately he searched frantically for a flag to salute and would not move a muscle until the bugle stopped. I asked him to explain and he said when in uniform and taps are played you are to stop and salute the flag. He did however tell me he wasn't sure what he was to do during the changing ceremony. Is there any way to make sure when they are out in public correct protocol in such situations. He was really worried he wasn't being militarily correct. Seems they give them instructions when the go on cruise etc like stop halfway up and salute the flag-ask permission to come aboard etc. Will admit lots of looks while touring which as all mids say you sometimes feel like a hamster. Great weekend but it did raise a lot of questions.
 
blackhawkmom said:
Went to see DS over Presidents weekend. We went into DC for some sightseeing. Mid was a nervous wreck when we pulled into Arlington. Seems he wasn't sure while in uniform what he was to do while we watched the changing of the guard. We were walking down the hill he heard Taps --stopping immediately he searched frantically for a flag to salute and would not move a muscle until the bugle stopped. I asked him to explain and he said when in uniform and taps are played you are to stop and salute the flag. He did however tell me he wasn't sure what he was to do during the changing ceremony. Is there any way to make sure when they are out in public correct protocol in such situations. He was really worried he wasn't being militarily correct. Seems they give them instructions when the go on cruise etc like stop halfway up and salute the flag-ask permission to come aboard etc. Will admit lots of looks while touring which as all mids say you sometimes feel like a hamster. Great weekend but it did raise a lot of questions.
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When viewing the ceremony for a regular changing of the guard, he need not do anything besides stand and watch quietly. No courtesies are to be rendered unless it is a special ceremony where the colors are presented.

He need only salute during taps if it is part of an official ceremony or memorial. For a regular daily sounding of taps, no protocol need be rendered.
 
blackhawkmom

First there are no stupid questions. I read your post about what your DS was trying to do. I must tell, this brought tears to my eyes. Your DS wanted to show respect and honor those, who paid the biggest price and laying down their lives for us. Just like your DS may have do some day. While he didn't have to do anything, he thought of doing it. He is what I call one of the best and brightest in the country. Tell me from me thanks for his service to the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.

God Bless him and to your family,

RGK
 
Thanks to you both---we went back up afterwards DS wanted to see why taps was being played not once but three times and wanted to look up a grave site. Can not remember the name but it was the most decorated veteran and his grave was simple and right behind the ceremony .Seems there were wreaths being posted after the changing must have been in memory of a fallen service person by a family member. Did not know that was done. Caused the short trip back up the hill to last a little longer --yep he stopped each time. He stood tall but let me tell you his first comment when we reached the car was ---"I hope I did everything right and if I didn't no one saw me!" He got a little emotional and very somber reading President Kennedy's wall. Why the stones on the top of graves? And it seemed like the grave markers were division specific and rank specific---or was it my imagination since the Navy ones really jumped out at me.Also learned no matter what division he has learned the ranks and is to salute officers from each branch--he said that made him a,little nervous because sometimes you can't tell unless you are close enough to see the stars or emblems--by then he says you are disrespectful.
 
blackhawkmom said:
Thanks to you both---we went back up afterwards DS wanted to see why taps was being played not once but three times and wanted to look up a grave site. Can not remember the name but it was the most decorated veteran and his grave was simple and right behind the ceremony .Seems there were wreaths being posted after the changing must have been in memory of a fallen service person by a family member. Did not know that was done. Caused the short trip back up the hill to last a little longer --yep he stopped each time. He stood tall but let me tell you his first comment when we reached the car was ---"I hope I did everything right and if I didn't no one saw me!" He got a little emotional and very somber reading President Kennedy's wall. Why the stones on the top of graves? And it seemed like the grave markers were division specific and rank specific---or was it my imagination since the Navy ones really jumped out at me.Also learned no matter what division he has learned the ranks and is to salute officers from each branch--he said that made him a,little nervous because sometimes you can't tell unless you are close enough to see the stars or emblems--by then he says you are disrespectful.
Click to expand...

People place stones on graves when they visit as a sign that someone has been there.
 
blackhawkmom,

I echo what rkrosnar said. Your DS is a remarkable young man that makes me very proud. My dear father, who passed away at age 94, will be laid to rest in Arlington this summer -- he was a POW in WWII after being captured at The Battle of the Bulge. I am so proud of my dad and all he did for this great nation. The respect your DS has for our fallen heroes is very, very touching.
God Bless.
 
riverdale,

I read your post, sorry for your lost. My Dad served in the Air Corps in WWII, then went back after two kids and served during Korea. I lost him October 2002. He wasn't even a high school graduate. He was very demanding of his five kids, of which I am the youngest.

God Bless to your family and Dad, yet another one of the greatest generation is gone.

RGK
 
There are no stupid questions. Only stupid answers. When in Uniform at Taps, National Anthem or Salute The Colors "Stand and Salute". He was correct. I think there is a formal salute at the changing when all present in uniform render honors? I think during TAPS at any time and it is face toward the music if no flag is in view. I have been at main gate when ceremony was held. Face in the approximate direction and render salute. Believe me they will learn the protocol. Arlington is a great place to visit and even the strongest will shed a tear. Your Son is one of the amazing few.
 
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riverdale---my father in law was army enlisted and also at the Battle of the Bulge. He has been gone for 21 years missing the birth of our first child DD by 1 week. I still miss him terribly. He talked very little of his experiences and storming the beaches. Thank you all for your kind words about my mid. It has been a very rough road this last year and a half but I think he is definitely in a good place and his respect for other military is enormous. This is a learning experience for all of us. Seems like I notice baseball caps with veteran on them much more than I once did and always always cry any more when I hear a patriotic song. I thank people more and more for their service and have developed very close friendships with people I might have never had the chance to meet before DS was appointed to USNA. People I don't know stop me and ask how he is doing and to tell him thank you and to tell him how proud they are of him. Makes my heart swell and constrict at the same time.It's a mom thing I guess.
 
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blackhawkmom, I'm with you in that I too always cry when I hear our National Anthem or God Bless America. We are fortunate in that my oldest brother, also a veteren, sat down with my dad for months and they wrote in detail about his experiences in the infantry. He was one of the kindest, gentlest person I've ever met and I am so very proud that he was my dad. He passed 10 months ago and we were blessed to have him for so many years. My dear mom passed almost 3 months ago...she was 89 and they were married 67years! I miss them both terribly.
My DS is a reapplicant to the Coast Guard Academy and should he be fortunate enough to be offered an appointment this year, you understand, I'm sure, how proud my dad would be of him. DS sounds very much like your DS and so wants to serve his country and contribute as my dad and countless others have and continue to do.
Sincere thanks and best of luck to your DS.
Riverdale
 
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