Reveille: Continuing a proud military tradition Published April 28, 2014 By Master Sgt. Harold Padua Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. -- Reveille is a French word that literally means "wake up" and is traditionally played at sunrise on military installations. Here at March ARB, the 452nd Security Forces Squadron raises the national flag during reveille at 7:30 a.m. each day. The practice of reveille can be traced back to the French army, which used a form of it in the early 17th century. The first time reveille was used in the United States was during the War of 1812, it was intended to muster a unit in order to take roll call and pass on daily information. Today, it is used to signal the beginning of the duty day on military installations. Senior Master Sgt. Eric Griffin, Security Forces first sergeant, stopped by my office and asked if the honor guard could raise the flag on the first duty day of each month. One of the many duties of a first sergeant is to promote a military mindset throughout this installation and involve as many members currently employed, be it military or civilian. "It is the responsibility of everyone who wears the uniform to embrace our heritage and give reverence to our nation's flag" said Griffin, "it is the military member's most honored possession." With that in mind, our goal is to have all units on March Air Reserve Base, whether it be Reserve, Air National Guard or active duty, participate in reveille on the first duty day of each month. By doing so, this will allow us to continue carrying on our Air Force tradition of reveille. If your unit is interested with volunteering with this tradition, please call Sergeant Griffin at 655-4355 or Sergeant Padua 655-6105.