The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-07-07
SALUTING THE FLAG.
An Interesting Ceremony Used In tho
Army Devotion of Soldiers and
Sailors to Our National COlOrs.


Soldiers of all nations love the flag
under whose folds they fight, and those
of the United States are far from lack
ing in patriotism and reverence for
Old Glory. In times past, however, this
devotion has only manifested itself on
the field of battle or on shipboard under
the enemy's guns, when almost no end
IF daring deeds have been done to save
;he colors from capture or dishonor.
Away from the smoke of battle the
flag received no special homage, save
the firing of the sunset and sunrise
guns. Now, thanks to ceremonies de-
vised by Capt. William r. Hamilton, of
the Seventh artillery, United States
army, the flag is treated with proper
military reverence; it is not dropped,
as if shot away from the staff, but comes
down with graceful dignity.
While different regimental command
ers have devised different ways of hon.
oring the flag, it was not until recently
that the army regulations, following
the suggestions of Capt. Hamilton, laid
down law upon the subject. The fol-
lowing is the ceremonious manner in
which at retreat" the flag is lowered
at an army post:
The entire garrison is paraded near
the flag while the trumpets play re-
treat. AS the last notes die away and
while the deep boom of the retreat gun
awakens the echoes, the flag halyards
are cast loose and the immense garri-
son flag is pulled slowly and gracefully
down the tapering staff, it's red and
white stripes futtering in the breeze
as if keeping time to the grand old air,
the "Star-Spangled Banner" which the
band is playing in its highest style. A
detail of the waiting guard catch it as
itnears the ground. They carefully fold
It up, after which they convey it to the
guardhouse, where it is kept for safety
during the night. During the entire
ceremony the garrison, under arms
stands rigidly at the present-the high
est form of salute-while all others
stand reverently uncovered.
While not in use in the field the regi.
mental colors stand, under charge Of
q sentry, in rack in front of the quar-.
tiers of the commanding officer, and
every soldier salutes them as he
passes, civilians being required tc
raise their hats. While they are being
carried to anu from the drill field the
sentries before whose posts they arc
borne salute them, and every man who
| passes them either raises his hat o.
| gives formal salute.
While Gen. Charles King was colone
of the Wisconsin guard he instituted {
very pleasing custom which is followed
by many army regiments. At the close
Of regimental parade the officers retire
and stand in a group at one side of thu
parade ground. In the meantime tn,
color sergeant marches across the pa
rade ground to the front, wheels ani
faces the command, while the ser
geant major breaks the regiment int
column companies, marches them il
review to the colors, each column sa
luting the flag as it would it's general.
An incident that shows the growing
devotion to our national colors occurred
recently at Camp Douglas. AS the pa
rade of the Fourth regiment was beins
dismissed the strength of the color ser
geant, who was i'll that evening, sud
denly failed him as he was carrying tn
colors to the front, and he fell faintin.
to the ground. Before his fall was no
ticed soldier on his left dropped hi
gun, seized the flag, and, without a
much as a glance at the fallen colo
bearer, carried it straight across tn
parade ground, while the regiment
leaving the sergeant to the hospita
bearers, marched calmly away in re
view.
The navy does not yield a point to tn
army in honoring the flag, and it's con
slant association with foreign ships an
ports makes it even more familiar tina
the army with ceremonies of respect
When squadron of warships lies a
anchor the retreat is sounded on tn
flagship, and every man rises to his fee
as the flag at the staff on the quarter
rail is lowered, and, facing the flag
raises his hat and stands uncovere
until it is down. A similar ceremony
! observed while ships are at sea.-Chics
go Chronicle.