Texan Corps of Cadets to Conduct Retreat Ceremony Oct. 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University and the Texan Corps of Cadets have brought back a long-standing tradition that embraces the university’s heritage and appreciation for military service while honoring the nation’s colors.

The third Monday of every month during the fall semester, excluding finals week, the Corps of Cadets will conduct a Retreat ceremony at 5 p.m.

The U.S. flag will be lowered at the flagpole in the center of the Stephenville campus in front of the E.J. Howell Education Building, World War I cannon and Alumni Island. Bugle calls will be played and a cannon fired.

The next Retreat ceremony is Oct. 19.

The ceremony dates to the Revolutionary War and is one of the oldest traditions in the U.S. Army. Originally, drums sounded it, the drum being the normal musical instrument then found in infantry units. The bugle was used solely as a signal instrument.

By the end of the Civil War, the infantry, cavalry and artillery all were sounding bugle calls during “Retreat,” where it remains in tradition today.

The ceremony serves two purposes — to signal the end of the duty day and to pay respect to the flag. Once the bugle sounds, all personnel driving on the installation should stop. Service members and government civilian personnel are encouraged to turn off their vehicles and, if safe to do so, exit to render the appropriate honors.

Tarleton students, faculty and staff outside buildings also should render the honors. Disabled persons and small children are not required to exit their vehicles. If in a group in a military vehicle or bus, only the senior occupant exits the vehicle to honor the flag.

With the first note of “Retreat,” everyone should come to attention and face the flag (or the direction the music is coming from if the flag is not visible). At the last note, a cannon is fired and “To the Colors” begins. Service members in uniform render the hand salute at the first note of the song.

Normally, the flag is faced when saluting unless duty requires facing in another direction. At the conclusion of the music, regular duties are resumed. When in a formation or a group, the senior service member present calls the group to “attention” and then “parade, rest” at the first note of “Retreat.”

At the first note of “To the Colors” the senior service member will call the group to “attention” and “present, arms.” At the conclusion the senior service member will give the command “order, arms.” Those in civilian clothing remove their headgear and place their right hand over their heart at the first note of “To the Colors.” Service members not in uniform and retired service members may render the hand salute if they choose.

To learn more about the Texan Corps of Cadets, go to www.tarleton.edu/cadets/.

Tarleton, founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven education marked by academic innovation and a dedication to transform today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders. It offers degree programs to more than 14,000 students at Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, RELLIS Academic Alliance in Bryan, and online, emphasizing real-world learning experiences that address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, excellence, leadership and service.

Contact: Cecilia Jacobs, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications
254-968-1620
[email protected]

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
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Tags: Leadership & Military College