Don't let military protocols scare you. CeremonialSupplies.com has a guide of basic protocol for military ceremonies that, along with our unique military decor items and gifts, will help you organize an unforgettable military ceremony! The Military, which is also referred to as "Armed Forces" is a formally authorized, professional, militia organization with the specific purpose of defending the interests of the people of the state. The US Armed Forces are made up of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard and their primary mission is in fact, defending the citizens of the US. However during times of peace, the military does many other things. It answers to immediate needs in a disaster or emergency by protecting an area or people, participates in parades, and in grand and formal military occasions. Military ceremonies are an integral part of the military and go back to ancient times when these celebrations were opulent and on a grand scale. Today, military ceremonies and honorable military activities such as a promotion, a retirement, or an interment have specific protocols. It's important to have a basic knowledge of these, to avoid uncomfortable awkwardness when participating at a graduation, a promotion, memorial, or other military ceremonies.
Basic Protocols for Military Ceremonies
You may have heard of numerous protocols involved in military ceremonies but actually, these are intended for the military member. For special occasions where a spouse or date is expected to attend any of the various military ceremonies of the Armed Forces, here's a basic guideline that will help you circulate through the event with ease and comfort.
The first rule is: Be On Time. This is an important one. Remember, the military operates with accurate precision when it comes to timing. Military ceremonies are as carefully synchronized as any mission - especially when there is a program of events.
Military ceremonies begin with a flag procession called the "entrance of colors". It may be followed by a sword detail, drums, and the National Anthem. Stay where you are during this part and if you're not sure what to do, look around you and mimic what they do. For example, if you see everyone stand up from their chair, you do the same and so on but, (and we can't stress this enough) don't leave the room - it is crude and bad-mannered.
There will most likely be a receiving line, and perhaps a red carpet. Whether the event is to honor a military member with a promotion, a retirement, a birthday, or even the opening of a military ball, most military ceremonies involve a receiving line. While in the receiving line you will walk in front of your service member. He or she will first introduce you, and then introduce himself or herself to the first person in the line, who is there to act as an aide. The aide will introduce you to the person next to them in the line and, most likely, this person is the guest of honor, or the hosting unit's top officer and spouse. You shake their hand and say something brief and polite like "good to meet you" and keep moving down the line as the military member introduces you to the next people. The receiving line can be a daunting and scary part of military ceremonies, especially if it's your first time, but be brave! You can of course, choose not to go through it without fear of a court martial, but keep in mind it is a tradition to go through it. Just remember it is a quick and brief introduction, and not for swapping stories. If the dining section is open, find your seat before joining the receiving line so you can leave your drink there. It is not appropriate to carry a drink while in the receiving line.
Military ceremonies such as graduations, or promotions may follow with a dinner and dance reception, and a military ball is exactly that - a dance event! These are fun celebrations but still, a work event for the military member. This means that if there's a bar, by all means enjoy it but don't lose control of yourself.
Enhancing Military Traditions with Decorations
There may be other traditions performed at military ceremonies depending on the reason for the event. The entrance and exit of the colors, responsive readings, cake-cutting, speeches and toasts, and even a "grog bowl" ceremony as punishment for breaking the event's protocol rules such as smoking before the smoking light is on, or having an unbecoming appearance are all traditions that can be enhanced with themed military decorations.
From patriotic ribbons of red and white stripes, and the navy background with stars, solid color red, white, and blue silk ribbons of various sizes and lengths, flag buntings, and bows, to red carpet, or blue carpet for a receiving line, brass stanchions and rope, you can find all the necessary trimmings to decorate a room where a military ceremony will take place. A crispy white table cloth decorated with wide ribbon runners of red, blue, or both makes the colors pop up brilliantly. Personalize ribbons with a commemorative date and name and turn the table runner into a keepsake! Streaming solid colors red, white, and blue ribbons sized 10" wide from the center of the room ceiling outward creates a canopy style decor that ties the room together, and flag buntings are perfect for framing a platform stage, or decorating a podium. Highlight the table decor with flower arrangements of red, white, and blue flowers in silver colored vases. The versatility of patriotic ribbon colors and fabrics are the essential elements to create the atmosphere.
Military Gifts, Awards, and Plaques
It's always proper to bring a gift to a military ceremony such as a promotion, a retirement, or a military homecoming. Gifts for military members are visible reminders and acknowledgements of an honorable career, a successful dangerous mission, or that family and friends are joyous and grateful for the safe return home of one of their own. In our Military Ceremony category, CeremonialSupplies.com has a selection of ideal gifts for any military occasion. From medal displays such as the Military and Service Achievement shadowbox, the American Flag engraved display case, the Dedication Display case, the Bald Eagle award plaque, or the Clock and Marine Corps insignia plaque, to lapel pins such as the Shooting StarAmerican Flag design, the United We Stand, and the US Flag, the Copper Minuteman & Scroll award plaque and many others! Shop our Military Ceremony products for the best military gifts on the web available at CeremonialSupplies.com, your one-stop-shop for military ceremonies' decorations and gifts that will assist event planners organize an original, amazing military ceremony! At ease!