‘Morning Colors’ marks flag raising

Published 4:29 pm Thursday, January 8, 2009

Thank you for the Wednesday editorial in support of the Navy’s morning and evening bugle calls. As a resident of North Everett, I occasionally hear these calls and appreciate them. As the former bugler for Boy Scout Troop 1 sponsored by the Everett Elks, I recognize “Morning Colors” as the call played for the raising of the flag rather than “reveille” as identified in your editorial.

Reveille is the call typically used to assemble the troops for the raising of the flag. I have also noticed that Morning Call is preceded by the short “Attention” call and is followed by the “Carry On” call. The Attention call is to draw attention (salute) to the flag, and the Carry On call dismisses the troops.

The “Retreat” call used in the evening is also known as “Evening Colors” and, as you note, is played during the lowering of the colors. Morning Colors is played sharply in accordance with the manner in which the flag should be raised. Evening Colors is played slowly, as the flag is slowly lowered. If you would like to hear these calls, a good Web site is soundboard.com/sb/Navy_Bugle_Calls.aspx.

Again, thanks for your support for the bugle calls. They are excellent reminders of our duty to country and of our military service personnel who serve us so well.

Fred Safstrom