Rights and Duties Published Oct. 31, 2006 By CMSgt Scott A. Kilbride 305 AMW Command Chief Master Sergeant McGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- We do honor to the stars and stripes as the emblem of our country and the symbol of all that our patriotism means. We identify the flag with almost everything we hold dear on earth. It represents our peace and security, our civil and political liberty, our freedom of religious worship, our family, our friends, our home. We see it in the great multitude of blessings, of rights and privileges that make up our country. But when we look at our flag and behold it emblazoned with all our rights, we must remember that it is equally a symbol of our duties. Every glory that we associate with it is the result of duty done. A yearly contemplation of our flag strengthens and purifies the national conscience. (From Rights and Duties, by Calvin Coolidge)Recently I came across this essay written by our thirtieth President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. In this essay, President Coolidge reflected upon the American people's obligation in honoring the stars and stripes--our national symbol, the Flag of the United States of America. As President Coolidge points out, the stars and stripes not only represent our inalienable rights as set forth in the Declaration of Independence, but it also serves as a reminder of our duties--our patriotic duty as ordinary citizens. As citizen Airmen, our duties go beyond the scope of the ordinary citizen. We willingly put on the uniform of America to deliver the world from the evils of tyranny and injustice. We are asked to fight the good fight not because of our individual beliefs and faith but because of our nation's faith in liberty and in human rights for all citizens of the world. President Coolidge encouraged a "yearly contemplation" of our flag but as military and civilian working and living on McGuire AFB, we have the opportunity to render respect to our flag everyday during Reveille and Retreat and reflect upon the rights and duties it summons. As such I want to take the opportunity to remind us all of the general procedures for rendering respect to the U.S. Flag during base Reveille and Retreat. All personnel out of doors--military and civilian--will stop upon the first note of music and render the proper respect to the flag during the playing of Reveille, Retreat, and the National Anthem, or To the Colors. If driving a vehicle, safely come to a complete stop and sit quietly until the music comes to an end. Personnel participating in a PT activity or event (individual or unit) will stop upon the first note of music and render the proper respect to the flag. Personnel performing official duties (e.g. emergency responses, certain maintenance tasks, refueling, or cargo movement) will not compromise safety to render honors. Use your common sense, work experience and best judgment as you attempt to comply with the spirit and intent of rendering honor and respect to our national symbol--an obligation that should only be overridden when absolutely necessary. Further guidance regarding respect to our Nation's flag can be found AFMAN 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies and the Federal Flag Code, Public Law 94-344, The U.S Flag Code, Title 36. U.S.C., Chapter 10. Our very culture, in the service of this great nation demands that we always take the time to render proper respect to our flag. In doing so I hope you take a moment to reflect upon the rights and duties the stars and stripes call upon each one of you and strengthen your patriotic and moral conscience.