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Great Video: Ensuring Our Legacy of Pride and Respect

Written by Allen West on October 27, 2013

One of the great traditions I miss from living on a military installation was hearing the bugle playing “Colors” over the post PA system at the end of the day, normally around 1700 hours (5pm). We taught our daughters, Aubrey and Austen, that when the music came on to show respect and stop. If you’ve ever been on a military installation you know that traffic stops, the entire base comes to a standstill.

It’s the right thing to do to pay respect as the flag is lowered. There’s something about tradition that progressive socialists do not like, whether it’s regard, respect or honor. I wish we could teach all our children — and adults for that matter — this level of respect for our unique symbol known worldwide as the embodiment of liberty and freedom, the American Flag.

Heck, most times at games and such, we can’t get crowds to stop talking or men to remove their hats. This simple video is a testimony to why America is great and exceptional. It demonstrates there are some parents who are ensuring the legacy of pride and respect flows to the next generation.

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  • mary

    Well taught children!!! Amen!

  • CJ Chadwick

    Hope for the future restored.

    Twitter: @chadwick_cj

  • flatbedbill

    That was a beautiful thing to watch. Thanks for the video.

  • Weebs

    God Bless them

  • RagamuffinB

    I grew up on Air Force bases and this is a memory of mine, everything stopping for the few minutes at the end of the day. I also remember how shocked I was the first time I went to a civilian movie theatre and the Anthem didn’t play before the movie.

  • Karen Shores Kernes

    It’s wonderful to see that some children are still taught respect. What a great example for all of America.

  • tammy

    I love watching it happen on base. It was extremely moving this past summer at the pool. All kids came to a stop and got out of pool and sttod at attention.

    • BayushiZero

      It was the same on-base when I was a kid.

      Not for fear of a parent being angry, but out of respect. As military kids, we understood the importance of this daily event.

  • Terry Leland

    These children ARE Americas future!

    • Marc Solomon

      I certainly hope so.

  • Donna E Turner
  • Tom Moulthrop

    I’m also a Marine child and it makes me proud!

  • Robert M

    Renews my faith!!!

  • Dan McNally

    I live less than a mile from a VA Hospital. In the late afternoon, if I am outside, I stop, place my hand over my heart and face the music . . . my neighbors just don’t understand, but its what this retired E-8 does . . . and always will.

    • Greg Driscoll

      Thank you for your service, Top !

  • Barbara

    Remembering…when we were living on the Coast Guard Base on Governors Island in NY. Still gives me goosebumps !

  • Lisa Thiele

    I am an Air Force brat. And we were taught that. And I can still remember the cars stopping on the base, and people getting out of their cars to face toward the main flag on the base and putting their hands over their hearts.

  • disqus_XeFVQf2YXo

    I’m proud to be an American… There is hope for the future….

  • Barbara Delano Johnson

    I grew up on military bases and this was something we always did. If we were playing ball or whatever, we stopped and turned toward the parade field and hand over our hearts. It was just something so normal for us. I really enjoyed living on a military base, we always felt safe, and stuck together, even at school.

    • BayushiZero

      Same here, Barbara. Father was career Navy, so I spent my entire childhood on Navy bases, and this was the norm.

  • TwiWizardChamp

    I live in Leavenworth, KS. This past summer I was driving near downtown in the late afternoon. I saw two boys about 10 or 11 years old stop and dismount their bikes. They turned toward post and stood at attention. I was stunned and proud. The music was barely audible and they were several blocks off post! It still makes my heart feel funny to recall it.

  • Tom Davis

    I’m so proud of those children. And their parents.

  • jerseydan

    How well I remember! I was in an Air Force Band in Wyo. Every night we played ‘Retreat’ followed by the National Anthem! Everything stopped, traffic and pedestrians until it was over! People loved our Country and its traditions! I’m talking about 1950 to 1953! In the Clinton and Obama years, that tradition seems to be fading out! Sad! Let’s get a Republican back in the White House and become Great again!!!!

  • Maxine Kreider

    This was true when I worked at Bethesda at the National Naval Medical Center (Now the Walter Reed Military Medical Center). We would all stop and face toward the flag. More than respect is was for honor to the military.

  • Reggi Dip Singh

    I can’t watch the video

  • MAA Oregon

    That warms my heart and gives me a little hope for our country.

  • Tammie Martin

    My 9 yr old with Down Syndrome even knows when that 5pm anthem starts playing we stop and put our hands on our heart and show respect!

  • Will Smith

    As we all should act, unlike those dumb devilworshipper atheist

  • Mari Upthegrove

    :-)

  • Patti Walter Edgar

    I most wholeheartedly agree. I too was raised on Bases and it is one of my fondest memories.

  • Wilecoyote

    Great video - we still have hope…. a chance to turn around what this presidunce has done.

  • Sandy Huff

    I love to be on base and see the respect shown our country. It’s so different on our cities streets.

  • Cheri in Nevada

    This video brings back so many memories. I was an Air Force brat and I remember, whenever we were on base, how everyone stopped…the traffic, the people walking, the children playing…everything…we faced the direction of the flag even if we couldn’t see it and stood quietly, hands over hearts. I was always so proud to see my Dad, in uniform, salute. I still love seeing it. This is the country I love. I pray we don’t lose it.

    • BayushiZero

      This makes me wish I still lived on-base.

      Alas, I’m far too old for that. Far too old, beat up & out of shape.

  • Toni Debeneditto-Deerwester

    and yet the first lady was proven to have said “all this for a damn flag”, and the president nodded his head in agreement. This was caught on video and you don’t even have to be skilled in lip reading to see it. It was then that I knew America was in trouble. Please Mr. West, continue your good work with prayers of grateful Americans to hold you up!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001350926663 Fred Davey

    That was awesome to witness

  • Ginger Hensley

    Yep, as a military brat this is the way it was. Glad to see it still is.

  • Pam

    I remember doing this on an Air Force base in the late 60’s

  • Katherine Nobles

    I’ve lived on Army and Marine bases. It was on Marine bases that you truly saw people stopping for this. I miss it.

  • Marcel Franquelin

    It is amazing that, nowadays, we feel touched by the things that should be, like these simple shows of respect have become rare and precious, instead of being part of our every day lives.

  • sdfykes

    At the University of Alabama, men remove their caps or hats and everyone actually sings the National Anthem! It is an awesome experience.

  • Dwayne Asay

    I mean this with no disrespect…..I am clearly a Conservative and support those who sacrifice their lives for my Freedoms , feel free to check out my FB page………….but indoctrination is indoctrination regardless of what your military/political or social idea’s are. So these children snap to the Patriotic Reveille……….is it any different to have them snap to anything else? It’s training/indoctrination at those ages period and any Liberal would have that point in a discussion. Show me a crowd of adults walking the streets that turn and give the same respect OUTSIDE a Military Base and I’ll be impressed.

    • Rusty Aubrey

      It’s called pride in your country and way of life…not indoctrination. Ever been in the military Dwayne? Have you sacrificed for your country? Do you say the pledge of allegiance? Is that indoctrination? I respect your conservatism, please respect the military way of life. They choose to be there.

      • Dwayne Asay

        No I did not join when I was 18, I went to work and payed taxes. I went to join at age 28 during the Gulf war and found that economically my kids would starve. I have several family members who have served and retired from the military and I often wish I had joined straight out of High School now but past is past. I have contributed to our country by staying employed and supporting our troops……….It’s honorable to be a contributing citizen as well. As I said I mean no disrespect but what you train a 10 year old to do may not be who they are at 18 and think for themselves and THAT is a fact wether you train them to sing “OBAMA” or Colors. If this is a feel good site, excuse my intrusion. I understand Honor and Respect from those old enough to make a choice.

      • Dwayne Asay

        My Flag has never touched the ground

      • Bill

        It is not indoctrination, Is it indoctrination when you bow your head in prayer. Obviously there is a difference between respect and indoctrination and you have them confused. reverence, pride and respect to everything this nation has been through and for those that paid for our country with their lives…surely you understand you can undeerstand that. Teaching children this is instilling a sense of honor, of gratitude. I did the same thing growing up, no matter who was around or what I was doing, we would stop playing football, get off our bikes and face the sound with hand over the heart. I understood at the age of 10 what most adults now days fail to grasp of what the end of day bugle was. I wish you luck and hopefully you can instill honor into your child and teach them to be respectful.

      • Dwayne Asay

        That’s been done my friend, my children are grown and still say yes mame and yes sir…..

      • Sandra Stanislav

        Well it is a good thing you taught your children not to honor you or to respect you, isn’t it.

      • Dwayne Asay

        WOW! hostile Sandra?

    • Richard Vansyckle

      It is obvious you never served or you would understand the Honor and Respect due our flag and what it stands for. If you cannot understand the difference between indoctrination and paying respect I feel sad for you.

    • EMTmom

      That would be me stopping and honoring the flag of my country; not an idol, but a symbol of the republic for which it stands!

    • Wolfman Dan

      Outside a military base? HAve you ever been to an amateur auto racing event…especially in the South? I’ve been involved in motorsports for 30 years. The minute they announce the NAtional Anthem, everybody, participants, mechanics, crew or spectator, no matter what race or nationality, stops, turns to the flag, removes all headgear, covers their heart and pays proper respect to the flag until the music is over. No, its not Indoctrination, its paying proper respect for our way of life and the sacrifices by our current and former servicemen and women who have given so much for our way of life.

      • Dwayne Asay

        Been there, done that! Love it! But it’s not to my point……..Play Colors and lower a flag on an Atlanta City street……get that reaction and I’m amazed

    • Vicki Babbert

      Obviously you have never had any connection with the military at all. I was married to a Marine, we didn’t live in base housing however as we purchased a house off base. In our neighborhood, you could hear “Colors” and everyone standing outside in their yards whether they were civilian or military or military dependent stopped doing what they were doing and turned toward the base standing in complete silence until it was done. This is not indoctrination, this is showing respect for our flag and the men (and women) who have died in defense of it and the US. So yes I can show you a crowd of adults that turn and give the same respect OUTSIDE a military base-I call them neighbors and friends!

      • Robert Rhyne

        Amen!!!

    • robertd772

      you’ve missed the point — parents have taken the time to instill respect for our flag in their kids. They are doing so…without the parents being there! From my earlier post, we have to keep in mind the US
      Military is under attack on all sides from liberalism (including its
      budget…but that’s not the heart and soul of our military) — only
      natural since they don’t stand for the long-standing military traditions and values, so we should have
      expected these attacks.

      • Dwayne Asay

        Maybe I have missed that point Robert, I understand instilling values in Children……I have 3 of my own and 5 grandboys, but at the same time it’s disturbing to see children so young react so readily. I would expect the Fathers and Mothers to do so but was the children TOLD to? Or did they ask why Dad does it and decided to do the same? If this was an Obama Chant we’d all be appalled as well. Maybe I’m trying to equate life in suburbia to life on a military base and it don’t mesh but when I see children blindly following it’s scary.

      • Sandra Stanislav

        I have never lived on a military base but my family still show respect to the flag and the colors. it is people who classify it as indoctrination who do not care what type of country they live in nor do they have respect for anything but that which is close to them. they can not have empathy or understanding of such love and respect of other peoples feelings of pride in our country. yes we as we followed the rest of the world have done wrong but that is what is great about our country we try to correct it. now we need to correct this and prove once again to our children that America is great and can be still. just what their father/mother is fighting for.

      • Dwayne Asay

        Sorry but you are wrong, you love our country no more than me, so to say I have no respect for having a different opinion about something you “believe” to be the right way and condemning my opinion makes you more American than me?

      • usaok59

        I say the Pledge or sing the National Anthem as a sign of respect and with love of America. It has nothing to do with indoctrination, it just makes me feel really good.

      • Dwayne Asay

        My children have been taught to think for themselves and NOT to hoist or follow a flag into battle without knowing WHAT they fight for…………it’s sad to say but following our Flag into battle nowadays is following a corrupt Government into a hell hole of ELITISM and CORPERATE GREED! My children and grandchildren will respect the History but WON’T follow blindly.
        Many good points my friends and as I said no disrespect intended. Good nite

      • Daffy2009

        Fortunately, we have an all-volunteer military, so your worthless kids don’t have to worry about respecting anything. They’ll just get their food stamp cards renewed every month and leave it at that.

      • Dwayne Asay

        no picture, anonymous name, attacking someone and his children for having a different view but willing to discuss it? you sound more like the Food Stamp recipient than me.

      • Daffy2009

        Those kids in that video weren’t blindly following any flag into battle. They were just showing what most of us would recognize as proper respect. Did it occur to you that there weren’t any parents near those kids, so perhaps they WERE “thinking for themselves” when they heard the Colors. Once it was over, they went right back to being kids and playing.

        Pardon them for taking time out to show respect for the flag (not to any individual such as Obama, but to the flag).

      • Daffy2009

        And btw, which “history” are your children and grandchildren respecting? Real history, or what’s been indoctrinated into them in public schools?

      • Daffy2009

        btw, it’s not just you, I’m suspicious of anyone who claims that only THEIR kids/grandkids have been “taught” to “think for themselves”, but everyone ELSE’S kids and grandkids are all brainwashed little skulls of mush that would blindly and willingly march to their own deaths for absolutely no reason.

      • Daffy2009

        Showing respect for the flag of this country (and what it represents) is not the same as reciting an Obama chant (which is what your kids and grandkids probably do every flippin’ day).

      • Dwayne Asay

        Keep making your assumptions, it’s you that lookslike the butt. I’ve held a respectful conversation and put down no ones children, My children are just fine and contributors to our society and raised with my values………..you’re a sick puppy dude. Hope you feel better.

    • Sandra Stanislav

      my family still does show respect for our flag and country so if you think respect is indoctrination then I would rather be respectful and indoctrinated then to be dis-respectful like the left is and always will be that is why they lie to your face and laugh all the way to the bank

    • http://www.LasVegasRealEstateHome.com/ Las Vegas Real Estate

      You bring up a good point about the “indoctrination” part (that a liberal would certainly bring up) but I can’t really ever remember anybody “Forcing” us Brats to do it.

      Probably had more to do when you hit that age of being around 5 years old when you want to grow up and be just like Mom and Dad and do what they do and just carry it on. 😉

      And heck… looking back at all of my friends from back in High School hitting the “like” button after sharing this on FB, I can tell you that most of the Air Force Brats ended up going to better colleges and/or ended up with more successful careers then the Non Military brats we went to high school with.

      Hmmmm… Maybe more kids need to be “indoctrinated” with great traditions?

      • Dwayne Asay

        Good points LV, pretty much playing devils advocate on this one. I’ve seen you tube videos of inner city children singing chants to Obama that really IS disturbing to me. My point is it is children, what one mans patriotism is, is another mans indoctrination….I guess it has more to do with which news channel you watch from a viewing perspective. I’m sure these childrens parents are proud and should be.

      • http://www.LasVegasRealEstateHome.com/ Las Vegas Real Estate

        I’ve seen those videos of the Obama Chants also and you are right… certainly disturbing!

  • Sidney Benson

    I was not a Military Brat… but saying the Pledge in the class room and observing my elders taught me respect for our Flag… but thanks to such as the ACLU, and those of like ilk, our children and grandchildren are unexposed to the respect learned and warmth felt when viewing this symbol of our country…

  • jyearsley

    Just saw a Facebook post from my 30 something AF Brat daughters talking about the privilege of growing up on USAF Bases and one of their best memories was stopping to show proper respect for the colors every day at retreat. Made me very proud.

  • Jeff

    I say this tongue in cheek , but if the military really loved our flag and country they would storm the WH….just saying

  • KenFedUpWithPC

    Almost 30 years out of the Service and I still do it.

  • R Richards

    BZ to these kids and their parents!

  • Elaine

    Thank you! I never knew this.

  • Robert Spurgeon Sr.

    Our country is a 3rd world Country now , Thanks to obama.!!!

  • MotherBatherick

    Most of the kids in that video look to be older than five, which is longer than michelle obama has been proud of our Country…

  • MotherBatherick

    Bless these kids and their parents, who serve to protect and defend this Great Nation of ours every minute of every day!

    Bless you too, LTC West for sharing your inspiration with the rest of us.

  • bmartin79

    When I was a child on a bace we did the same thing .seeing that this still happens brings a tear to my eye .

    • nwwapiti

      I still get a kick out of going to movies on base and they play the national anthem at the beginning.

      • http://www.LasVegasRealEstateHome.com/ Las Vegas Real Estate

        Wow… forgot all about that. (Been over 20 years since I’ve been to a movie on a base.)

  • robertd772

    100% in agreement. 22 1/2 years USAF. Of course, today, the US Military is under attack on all sides from liberalism (including its budget…but that’s not the heart and soul of our military) — only natural, they don’t stand for these kind of values, so we should have expected these attacks.

    • Coup d’état

      some of our Generals need to do something about it!

      • Mac

        From what I read, he is replacing all the top generals. I can only guess why.

      • Linda Bartram

        with muslins

      • Sali Dutra

        because they refuse go along with his plans to shoot the American people if he asks them to

  • wildman

    God Bless the children who still know respect

  • Ralph Middleton

    Love it. Army 64-67.

  • Southern by Choice

    I grew up as an Air Force brat living off base. I remember the traffic stopping at 5 for the Star Spangled Banner. I now live near Barksdale Air Force Base. I can hear Reveille, The Star Spangled Banner and taps. Hearing those tunes has always been uplifting. But when I hear them now I can only think of the Christian bashing that is taking place in the Air Force.

    • Rose Worthem

      If you hear it do you stop what you are doing and face the flag?

  • Sandra Stanislav

    I get to loosing hope and then I see something this beautiful and respectful and it does give me hope.

  • Louise Sensabaugh

    God bless these respectful children and their parents who taught them.

  • Vernez Gonzalez

    What a wonderful sight to see. So very glad these young children represent OUR FUTURE!

  • Diana

    Love it!

  • Brian Baca

    Wonderful kids! I’m impressed!

  • Vincent Smith

    My dad was career AF I grew up on Air Force Bases and then spent 24 years raising my kids on Air Force bases during my career. Then i worked on and around Bases for 15 years after i retired. I miss the tradition of raising and lowering the flag, and the respect the ceremony is given there!

  • Sarah

    Loved it.

  • Varian Wrynn

    “All this for a damn flag” - Michelle Obama

    Damn right Michelle!!! All this for a flag.

    • Emiko Johnston

      Yeah, she is just pissed that it isn’t for her and her husband

      • Mike TerBush

        I’m wondering how she’s feel if Obama got his way - wouldn’t she have to start wearing scarves over her head and even a Birka?

      • mommommary

        But would she be to find one to fit???

      • C Bauer

        She’s also pissed it wasn’t a Kenyan flag.

    • Attila Borborygmi

      Hahaha you neocon tea party nuts will believe whatever your high priest wants you to believe.

      She never said those words and it takes the mind of a bottom dwelling slug to believe it.

  • lyndaaquarius

    i’m so encouraged!

  • http://www.LasVegasRealEstateHome.com/ Las Vegas Real Estate

    Thanks for bringing up some great memories. :)

    Even some of us kids that were a little rebellious froze and payed respect at 5:00. 😉

    • Jeff

      Ive been stationed at both stewart and campbell, as well as knox

      • http://www.LasVegasRealEstateHome.com/ Las Vegas Real Estate

        ’88 at Knox, ’90 at Campbell, ’91 at Stewart for me.

      • Jeff

        86 Ft Knox for training, Germany 86, Ft Stewart 88, Ft Campbell 91, so we were at the same base for maybe a month to 12 hehe

  • Denise

    You’re right its the way it used to be and still should be - we need to get back to place fast !!!

  • crq

    excellent reminder to us all!

  • Gaga

    Their parents should be proud. I am.

  • Dwayne Asay

    My Current FB status FYI. Love you guys………..

    Dwayne Asay

    K, Just had my a$$ handed to me on a silver plate on a Pro Military site AND I”M PRO MILITARY! LOL! Our guys never lose, they may fall back and regroup BUT they come back in true KICK A$$ style! Love the discussion……..thanks!

  • Laura Morley

    I always stand at a parade when the flag goes by,so m any around look at you like you have a screw loose

    • mommommary

      My husband is retired Army; we worked as a couple at a children’s home and each one of the kids we worked with learned the reason behind the respect; the first time a kid acted stupid as the Colors went passed in a parade, my husband waited until the Colors were passed and in public berated the kid. Much to my surprise, the adults around us just about cheered him on. This same kid is now active Army, overseas (sorry, don’t know his duty station) but we do hear from him on the fly, word of mouth, whatever way he can get us a message. God Bless the USA

  • Don Lanpher

    Good grief,,,does barry know about this display of respect and patriotism ??????

  • cjkw67

    I remember doing this when my husband was in the Navy, stationed at Whidbey Island, Wash.

  • Fishman

    I have been retired for more than 20 years now and I am still ready to defend my country. It would grieve me to have to storm the white house and congress but if that is what I have to do I am ready.

    • Vanessa Ravencroft

      I hope it never comes to that, but I be there besdie you if it has to be done…and it seems we aren’t far off.

  • geoff

    I severed over 27 years, and even today some almost 40 years later I still respect the flag and those who severed under it.

    • Lizzy

      God bless you geoff. I do hope though, that you meant SERVED and not severed….

  • Sali Dutra

    Seeing this makes me so proud to be an American and then I see these foreigners who fly their Countries flag without ours flying over theirs and no one does a thing about it

    • Vanessa Ravencroft

      You call the United States Post office…What do you hear ? Spanish!!!! You actually have to choose English before you can proceed. Have you ever called the Mexican Post office , or any other Post office for that matter and noticed they offering English?

  • Rob Brothers

    I remember doing that as a kid on base in Japan, and every time I was outside the entire 9 years I was in the Air Force.

  • trnichols

    God,that makes me have hope for the US!

    • teejcee44

      This indeed is His land!

    • tinahb

      me too!

  • DJWrightson

    That is one special aspect of a life in military service. I miss it also. Retired 21 years after 25 years of service.

  • Scott

    Simply put: Awesome!

  • grumpyoldmen

    I firmly believe; the oath I took in 1954 does not have an expiration date. I will stand by my country and defend her from all enemies foreign or domestic. God bless all veterans.

    • C Bauer

      Hoorah!

  • Vanessa Ravencroft

    I get a tight throat every time I see her fly. She is more than a flag. She stand’s for what we really are..This video made me feel proud , humble and realize how incredibly lucky i am that I was born by gods grace in these United States. God bless these children, their parents and pray that they have a United States in time they teach their children

  • Linda Shepherd

    It reminds me when we were stationed overseas and we always loved to hear “colors” and everyone on base would come to a standstill. I wish we could do it stateside as well.

    • R.s. Moffatt

      I loved being a military brat. The one thing you never, ever did was disprespect our flag or country. Respect was the word of everyday!

  • jcalex

    And now they must ware those sissy little hats forced on them by their Commander in Chief.

  • Derek

    “There’s something about tradition that progressive socialists do not like, whether it’s regard, respect or honor.” The kids are great, the video is great as an example for those who have never worked or lived on a base, but this rhetoric is the bullshit that is just unnecessary. I served 7 years under that flag with the same amount of patriotism as any other. You can’t own patriotism and claim it for yourself and I can not support anyone who thinks they can.

  • Art Monroe

    Very proud to be an American.I pray that we will again have a government that will support the the true American way. Not the politically correct way. We need a big change in order to regain the respect of the world again.
    A big Thank You to all our Veterans.
    Art

  • TeachESL

    Gave me goose bumps!

  • Neil

    awesome thank you for sharing

  • gshort

    I remember being an Airforce Brat and living on Base most of my life doing the same at any time Taps, Colors, the Star Spangled Banner, or Saying the Pledge, stopping where we were and placing our right hand over our heart throughout the honoring of the US and the fallen soldiers.

  • paul_23

    I love the video, and I really am normally not “that guy”, but I guess I still have the military impulses since 1993 when I got out of the Navy, and I couldn’t help but wonder- what’s the person with the camera / smart phone doing shooting video during colors?!? LOL!

    • Yukiko

      I was a Navy Photographer and we were excused from saluting during colors if we were shooting publicity photos. However most of the sailors I knew would salute with one hand and shoot with the other if possible.

  • Bekki Shoop Dailey

    I remember as achild on the military base doing this! Not so much when my children were on the base with us! What I remember most was even in the 50s in the military on base we were all about what rank our daddies were! We never cared what color or from what country our friends were from! The same was true for my kids! Unfortunately seeing the base with my sons and grandchildren that is changing. How sad!

  • Lloyd

    What more could you ask than to respect and grateful for the freedom you receive fNot many places in the world have or can enjoy the freedom we have and can enjoy.rom the troops for doing their jobs for America,

  • linlin

    absolutely wonderful. This is just so wonderful.

  • crabbygirl

    this is the best video I’ve seen in a very long time. It gives me faith.

  • Gunny

    This almost brought tears to my eyes as I remembered my own children twenty some years ago doing the exact same thing every time they heard the music, either in the morning or at night for taps, and most importantly when the heard our national anthem. I would assume this was on a military base somewhere. Our military families are instilled with American pride and respect just as the service members are. It is so unfortunate that most families in America have not learned this.

  • Mark Udoni

    The other thing I noticed, other than the obvious, was that none of these kids was wearing headphones, or texting, or chatting on a cell phone…..they were PLAYING, OUTSIDE, on a PLAYGROUND, a lost art amongst “Generation i” or whatever we’re calling kids born of the new millennium.
    And one other observation, they all looked lean and healthy, not a fat obese slob among them.

  • AZWarrior

    The ‘retiring of the Colors’ was always treated with respect when I was a young Marine many years ago. Glad to see it’s still treated the same way.

  • Dru

    I remember those days when I lived on military bases. It always filled me with great pride for our country.

  • Brigitte

    so moving!

  • mitch27

    Simply awesome!

  • Debbie Lynn Meents-Aman

    Love it!! Respect, Honor and Pride!!

  • Fran Hendricks

    From the time I was a small child, I understood why we stood, placed our right hand over our heart as well as why we did not place our left hand, why men removed their hats and why we did this in silence. And I was not raised in a military family. It is such a small act of respect for those who work, either in battle or office support, to keep America free, and especially those who do fight the wars and more importantly to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and their families. May God have mercy on this country that now allows so much disrespect for Him.

    • Richard Roberts

      When I was a kid in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium, every person in the stands stood with their right hand on their heart when they played the National Anthem. Now most of the rabble can even be bothered to stand at attention.
      It is nice to know the us veterans can now salute during the anthem to show that we served and are proud of it. Please bring back the draft, These young men need some guidance from the D
      rill Sargents.

  • Abigail5

    These kids will be just fine …… If they’re allowed to live long enough.

  • Brian Robinson

    That’s just how we raise them in the Military. This video looks like it was shot at MCAS Cherry Point. But then again most of the housing areas look similar. Even though I was the only member of my family to join the Military I always took pride in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and standing for the National anthem. Semper Fi Col. West!

  • Gaynell Banta

    Beautiful and touching.

  • pablocruize

    Fighting for the future of these kids and millions of others is the duty and honor of all patriots. God bless them and watch over them, their families and our deceived and divided nation.

    • Rick Miller

      Hearts and Minds can be won domestically too (Vet. Navy, SOSUS, in WIKI.) Many give their Sunday to their faith, maybe we could give a bit of time on Sat. to cover what our schools seem to have missed, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

  • Carl Stigers

    Navy Vet here. 18 years from 1975 to 1993. Still ready to defend the constitution and the country. BZ to those kids and the parents. Every parade I go to I stand and salute the First Colors and the last. People around me just stare and look. I grieve for my country…

  • SSJWZ

    Yes sir! Keep it coming!

  • fearlessjohn

    You are so correct, Colonel!

  • Guest

    As a Canadian I watched this video with admiration and respect. I have always thought highly of America’s traditions and patriotism. But alas, i am appalled at all of the actions of the current U.S. administration. I think of the words “stand by my country and defend her from all enemies foreign or domestic”……and shudder to think that the greatest of those enemies are within the current administration and wonder where and to whom their allegiance lies……because it is obviously not to the American people who ARE the country. Its only hope seems to lie in true Patriots and I pray that the masses will come to realize that. Then America to its dignified and rightful place.

  • Belle

    As a Canadian I watched this video with admiration and respect. I have
    always thought highly of America’s traditions and patriotism. But alas, i
    am appalled at all of the actions of the current U.S. administration. I
    think of the words “stand by my country and defend her from all enemies
    foreign or domestic”……and shudder to think that the greatest of
    those enemies are within the current administration and wonder where and
    to whom their allegiance lies……because it is obviously not to the
    American people who ARE the country. Its only hope seems to lie in true
    Patriots and I pray that the masses will come to realize that. Then
    America can be returned to its dignified and rightful place, no matter what actions that may necessitate.

    • Rick Miller

      In your ” the American people who ARE the country” you are spot on and I have tried to let folks know that. We are not on Google Maps and our mission IS lost. I think we are a country with 9-11 PTSD and are self Medicating. We need love and compassion from you and each other.
      As a building is born in the mind, so to can the New America (North by the way) be re-born by the collective minds of Her Citizens.

    • Ben Fletcher

      Couldn’t agree more

  • NPDeeDee

    I cried. Great kids.

  • VirtualHybrid

    My wife grew up military and says this was the norm for them. Great to see it still happening.

  • Mary Wheeler

    wow I had a hard time holding me tears back…God Blesss those children for stop playing and paid respect to our flag. God Bless their parents teaching their children to respect our FLAG.

    • USAForever48

      Me, too, Mary. Sat here and cried. What an amazing thing to see. Children respecting the flag and our country. God save the U.S,A. (Thank you, Col. West!!!)

    • johnfromjersey

      Believe it or not, this used to be the norm. We started our school day with a reading from the Bible, then all stood and recited the pledge. There was no fooling around… by anyone.

  • Adam Jones Jr.

    Worshipping a piece of cloth is not true patriotism. True patriotism fights for rights and seeks to educate the man next to you in every way possible by the best means possible. This video means nothing.
    Not Hating.. Just Facts..

    • L

      its not “worshipping a piece of cloth” it is showing respect to what that “piece of cloth” as you put it means to the United States Of America.And all of those who fought and gave all.

      • Ben Fletcher

        L, I totally see your point, but I see Adam’s side too. I think true patriotism can begin by showing respect to the flag (as shown in this video), but that patriotism is tested when we are put in situations where we have to give up something in order to fight for the flag and what it stands for. I think Adam is just saying he’d rather see an example of patriotism that shows kids/people giving blood, sweat and tears for something rather than taking 50 seconds of their ‘play’ time to face the flag.

      • DeOppressoLiber

        Fletcher, Adam has not “side” and neither do you. All you have to do to see the “blood, sweat, and tears” is look at the fighting men and women returning. You and Adam have no idea of what you speak of.

      • mudpuppysc

        I bet these children give more of their play time to important things in life that YOU do.

      • thom

        Then why couldn’t you just of said ‘good job kids’, and save your rantings about what people should be doing for some other topic. Its obvious when someone like you and Adam disparage a simple kind gesture like showing respect to the flag/country, you all turn it into some ‘rather see people helping others instead’ rant! How do you know what these kids do in there spare time? Such a liberal way of thinking! So, next time when a video is shown of military kids helping the poor it will be you and Adam and your kind then saying ‘look at the military kids showing off’!!, and then you will have another rant about what they really should be doing instead.

    • Fred G

      Adam, It’s obvious you just don’t understand. These children are doing just what you suggested, they are showing respect to the people that preceded them by fighting for rights and trying to educate to the equality of life shared by Americans. To ben Fletchers point you are assuming that these children have not already taking up collections in an effort to help people that may need a little help. I think they are a bit young for the blood sweat & tears part of life.

    • 1SKTrynoskySr1

      What it STANDS for sir, what it STANDS for. Not just a piece of cloth not ever.

    • DeOppressoLiber

      Jornes there is no worship in the Flag, It is called “respect” and apparently you have lost your way while residing in the kool-aide jug.

    • lilolady

      “And to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God with liberty and justice for all.” And you call a piece of cloth. On the high seas when ships met those “pieces of cloth meant identification of friend or foe”. A call to arms or setting out boats to exchange news of ports each had just departed or were heading for. Information on the conditions ahead or behind any seaman needed for safe passage. One “piece of cloth” everyone was aware of was the “Jolly Roger”, the skull and crossed bones of the Pirate. Who would often fly a “false flag” of a friendly nation to come in close enough to board and then strike it for the black flag of the spoilers. Your musings evidence of ignorance rampant in our land today. Having no depth of understanding the importance of truthfully flying the “piece of cloth” of who you are, and not falling for the old “false flag” of any who would masquerade to deceive you.

    • mudpuppysc

      Never even served in the Boy Scouts, did you.

    • thom

      This video means ‘nothing’ to you, but I’m sure your music means everything to you! I’ve known too many who criticize a simple action of showing respect, but ‘worship’ their own ideology. Its obvious you have never felt the simple feeling of showing respect, not ‘worship’, of a great nation and those who have fought to preserve its values. Thanks for your thoughts on ‘true patriotism’ though.

  • Ben Fletcher

    Some people may chastize me for saying this, but you see the same type of pride and respect in countries like North Korea. I’d personally rather see a video of kids helping the homeless or giving the last dollar in the piggy bank to a friend in need.

    • 1SKTrynoskySr1

      Ben, I could not expect to explain it to you in a million years. This is not North Korea. This is the country that invented and implemented Republican Democracy to a level never seen before in human history. This is a system which became the basis for all other systems like it throughout the world. This is the system that as the late Stephen Ambrose would say, sent its sons half way around the world to die for no territorial aggrandizement.; Spent years and great amounts of its treasure to pulverize two of the worst governments in the world then spent more of its time and treasure rebuilding them. It is a system that fought tenaciously and in places as disparate as Korea, and Vietnam, to bring to an end a soulless system of governance that robbed the individual of his dignity and liberty. You are stuck in a moral equivalency vortex where all X’s are the same, all Y’s and all Z’s. There is nothing different about anything to you. America is a country of profound generosity where individuals give more to their neighbors than any other land in the world and that can be proven. God help you sir and may he have mercy on you in your ignorance.

      .

      • Ben Fletcher

        You’re not shy to make a lot of vast assumptions. I wasn’t saying we are like N. Korea. Only a fool would adhere to that. I was simply saying that this video and one’s like it can be seen all over the world in different societies and different governments. I love this country, don’t get me wrong.
        “There is nothing different about anything to you.” That comment makes me sick. What are you talking about? Where in my comment did you get that from????
        America is a great country. “America gives more to their neighbors than any other land in the world.” How can that be proven? I don’t think every country in the world has tax laws that track every dollar that’s given as generosity to others. That’s an absurd thing to say and judge other countries.
        God help you too. But mercy on me in my ignorance? I guess that goes for all of us, including you.

      • 1SKTrynoskySr1

        Unfortunately, your comparison is odious. Perhaps slightly less than having said, “You see the same type of pride and respect in countries such as Nazi Germany”. See what it looks like? I have seen too much of this moral equivalency stuff since Vietnam. We have screwed up big league in this country, many times but the intent was never evil.

      • lilolady

        You yourself said “I’d much rather see the kids giving the last dollar from their piggy bank to a friend in need” Then you go on to say “Is giving money the only way to be generous?” You ask how can it be proven that Americans give more than any other land in the world? That is easily proven. You only need to seek out the information. And in this day, is not a difficult task.

      • ralphdjeeper

        1SKTrynoskySr1, thanks,you hit the nail right on the head,where it’s needed,one wack driving it to the board,could not have said it better,my hat’s off too you Sir.

    • mudpuppysc

      The blind don’t see and the deaf don’t hear…yet they still have a leg up on you.

    • thom

      Here’s a big difference…our kids stand up out of respect…N. Koreans stand up because they know the consequences if they dont!! Your assumptions are exhausting!! I always enjoy people who take a simple wonderful thing like standing up for respect and honor of our country, and then turn it into some comparison of what they should be doing instead like ‘helping the homeless’. Your ideology gets so old!!

  • AdamR.

    It is so moving and impressive to see the respect and honor these children are showing for their country. Being a military brat and a veteran, it is not the cloth, it is the country and those that have come before that is receiving the honor from these children.

  • johnfromjersey

    Col. West. My dad served in WWII, his younger brother was KIA while dad was in N. Africa. I joined at 17 and did my service.
    I have one question for you sir: Where the hell is Chesty Puller when America needs him most?
    General Puller would’ve already perp-walked this fraud from our White House and into GITMO, where he belongs. I understand the ramifications of a Military coup, but if at any time in history, America needs one now.
    Are there no heros left in the General staff?
    If we the people do not vote en-mass next year, the only thing left is, or should be unthinkable.

  • http://www.bibleversusconstitution.org/ Ted R. Weiland

    The Apostle Paul wrote, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour [to whom
    their due].” (Romans 13:7)

    I wonder, is honor to do to an imperialistic, industrial-military complex and it’s aggressive war machine at the behest of the world order international bankers? Consider carefully some of the warnings of two of America’s late 18th-century (1700s) and early 19th-century (1800s) thinkers:

    “…The power to declare war is a serious responsibility. Why were the framers so vague in defining the parameters of war and the conditions under which it could be declared? Section 8, Clause 11 is the only place of significance where warfare is mentioned in the Constitution. Little wonder this power has been abused. Luther Martin [one of Maryland’s delegates to the Constitutional Convention]
    protested:

    ‘…the congress have also a power given them to raise and support armies, without any limitation as to numbers, and without any restriction in time of peace. Thus, sir, this plan of government, instead of guarding against a standing army, that engine of arbitrary power, which has so often and so successfully been used for the subversion of freedom, has in its formation given it an express and constitutional sanction….’40

    “John Quincy Adams predicted the consequences of America’s international military entanglements:

    ‘America … has abstained from interference in the concerns of others, even when the conflict has been for principles to which she clings…. Wherever the standard of freedom and independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions, and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy.… She well knows that by once enlisting under other banners than her own, were they even the banners of foreign independence, she would involve herself beyond the power of extrication, in all the wars of interest and intrigue, of individual avarice, envy and ambition, which assume the colors, and usurp the standard of freedom. The fundamental maxims of her policy would insensibly change from
    liberty to force; the frontlet on her brow would no longer beam with the ineffable splendor of freedom and independence; but in its stead would soon be substituted an imperial diadem, flashing in false and tarnished luster, the murky radiance of dominion and power. She might become the dictatress of the world: she would be no longer the ruler of her own spirit.’41

    “Because the framers provided no Biblical parameters, unbiblical warfare has been the rule ever since….From 1945 to the present, the United States has bombed
    nineteen different countries under the guise of defending America’s sovereignty and promoting democracy. But America is none the better for it, and not one of these countries has become a legitimate democracy – not that this would be anything to celebrate. Something is amiss. Wars fought for political gain or financial profit can only be classified as ungodly acts of aggression….”

    For more, see online Chapter 4 “Article 1: Legislative Usurpation” at http://www.bibleversusconstitution.org/BlvcOnline/biblelaw-constitutionalism-pt4.html.

    • mudpuppysc

      If you want to write a book, go to Simon and Shuster. No time nor room for all your drivel here.

  • Geo

    A bit of an exaggeration Colonel. They do this is North Korea also.

    • http://www.mycbn.com/ FaithDefender

      Thanks for sharing your gutless sense of national pride.

    • mudpuppysc

      Not much of a man, are you.

  • http://www.mycbn.com/ FaithDefender

    I remember when……………………………

  • Nick Hall

    if our schools were to do this it would change everything. i hated learning all the stuff about these other countries and hated hearing how great they are. and my question always was don’t we live in america? if we were to instill the true american history not the distorted government history our kids would be more patriotic. if the schools were modeled like the military schools i think the opinions of how great everyone else is would change quicker than Obama’s reactions when he gets caught in a lie. but i will say this we should learn about other countries and how ignorant and how government dependency can ruin futures of millions and keep people poor. i say learn about other nations only so the same mistakes don’t happen twice. the best solution for america now is to look at the true history and learn from the past and hope the future generations don’t repeat what we have done to this nation the last 13 years. we don’t even need to go further back. just look at Obama and bush(id rather have bush back).

  • Clarence Moore

    Awesome video!!

  • Laura

    Love this video . . . this is how I grew up. My dad was career army. And I am . . . a “progressive socialist” AND a proud American . . . how about that?

    • obloodyhell

      Well, I applaud you for being most of those, except for the “idiot” part. I’ve never thought well of stupidity as a behavior. And anyone who can argue in favor of socialism with its legacy of 75 to 250 MILLION people killed in the last century has earned the qualification of “idiot”.

      And unfortunately, of the idiots qualifying via that belief in this nation, you are one of a very rare few who would ever claim to actually be proud of this nation, much less believe coming to attention for the US flag being lowered is a good idea.

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