What will be played at the end of retreat?

• A. A bugle call for reveille
• B. The flag-raising ceremony
• C. A drum cadence
• D. The national anthem or sound of To The Color

Answer: (D)

Retreat is the daily flag-lowering ceremony, marking the end of the official day. At the moment the colors are lowered, a patriotic musical piece is played to honor the flag and the nation. The national anthem is a traditional closing salute, or, where a colors detail is present, the bugle call “To The Color” is used as a ceremonial signal tied specifically to the colors. Either of these fits the moment because they acknowledge the flag and the country as the day ends.

Reveille signals the start of the day, not its close. The flag-raising ceremony occurs at sunrise, not at the end of retreat. A drum cadence is a marching rhythm used in parades and drills, not the ceremonial music for ending the day.