TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Etched in the threads of the fabric of our American Flag are the immigrants who built the country on faith, every mother who has received a cold flag instead of her child's warm embrace and countless others memorable events in the nation's history.
   Because of events like these, each time the flag is raised, American pride should soar also. However, the flag at Bldg. 3001 is no longer being raised and lowered because it is now illuminated.
   According to the United States Flag Code, it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset, which requires the raising and lowering of the flag daily. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag can remain raised 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
   While Team Tinker is well within the Flag Code, Airmen and civilians have questions about the procedures during Reveille.
   In 1812, Reveille was a drum call, but as time passed it came to mark the raising of the flag, according to Air Force Pamphlet 34-1202. For this reason, all vehicles are required to stop and sit quietly at attention, uniformed personnel, if outside, must face the flag or music if the flag is not visible and salute on the first note of music, and civilians have to face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand placed over the heart, if outdoors.
   Although the flag is not being raised and lowered, AFPAM 36-2241 section 8.D states that Reveille is the signal for the start of the official duty day.
Flags on stationary staffs are still saluted during Reveille, Retreat or special ceremonies, according to Air Force Instruction 34-1201, section 2.21.
   When Reveille is played, follow procedure and let this be a signal to the start of another day of service to the country.