The U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy both work for the same government and fly the same flag. However, the two services observe different ceremonies concerning the time and manner in which the national flag is daily raised and lowered. What are the differences?

zbeckabee

U.S. Navy: Morning Colors -- At exactly 8:00, the ensign is hoisted smartly to the top of the ensign staff, all ships in the same port doing so simultaneously with the ship of the senior officer present afloat. If music is available, the band or recording plays the National Anthem, or the bugler sounds "To the Colors," with the ensign starting up the staff on the first note of the music. In the case of a ship, the union jack is hoisted simultaneously to the top of the jack staff at the bow. Evening Colors -- Immediately before sunset, "Attention" is sounded on the bugle or one blast is blown on a police whistle. All persons in uniform within sight or hearing face the ensign and, if not in formation, render the hand salute. Boats in the vicinity lie to, or proceed at the slowest possible speed, and the boat officer or coxswain stands and salutes. The order "Execute" is then given and the ensign is lowered slowly. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeohzt4/Seaflags/customs/customs.html#colors U.S. Army: The flag is raised at reveille, the official term for the start of the day on base, and to retreat, the official term for end of the day on base. This time is decided by the administration of the base. During reveille and retreat, all on base stand still in observation, except for the soldier charged with raising and lowering the flag. The flag is raised briskly, and lowered slowly and ceremoniously as a sign of respect. It is saluted throughout raising and lowering. The flag is never dipped to any person or thing, and is never to touch the ground or another object during lowering. When lowered, it must be lowered into waiting hands. http://www.ehow.com/way_5134882_army-flag-raising-rules.html Aug 18 09, 9:20 PM