The president then seats the mess with one rap of the gavel. Coffee and tea are immediately served and dessert is eaten. When this course is completed, the president again lights the smoking lamp. If desired, the colors may then be retired by the color guard. Rules of Protocol 1.
Punctuality is mandatory.
Each member should arrive at the bar no later than 10 minutes after the opening time to meet the guests before dinner. At the scheduled time or when the chimes are sounded for dinner, the members enter the dining room and stand at attention behind their chair at their appointed place at the banquet table. Drinks are not carried to the dining room. The guests and president of the mess are the last to enter the dining room. The president formally calls the mess to order and continues according to the agenda.