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CMSGT <NAME>
Retirement Ceremony
<DATE>, [room], <BASE> AFB, <STATE>
OFFICIAL PARTY:
Presiding Official:
<NAME>
Retiree: Chief Master
Sergeant <NAME>
Narrator: <NAME>
Award Bearer: <NAME>
PRE-RECEPTION CEREMONY:
Time: A Hour
Location:
Attendees: Official
Party, Invited Guests
Refreshments: Coffee,
Juice, & cookies
FLAGS PRE-POSTED: * Honor Guard will Post
*US
*AF
<WING/GROUP/SQUADRON>
CEREMONY:
[A-20 minutes prior to Start Time]
Narrator takes position at podium.
[A-10 minutes prior to Start Time]
Distinguished visitors are escorted to their seats.
[A-5 minutes prior to Start Time]
Official Party is lined up [location].
Order: [Presiding Officer], then [Retiree]
OFFICIAL PARTY FAMILIES ARRIVE
Spouse and family depart [Waiting Location] at A-10 for
[Retirement location] and are escorted to seats upon arrival. Seat family members first.
[Retiree’s immediate family] next, [Retiree’s In-Laws] next, [Presiding
Official’s spouse], Narrator is cued by protocol to start the ceremony.
[A Hour]
NARRATOR: Good morning ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of [official], Commander,
<WING/GROUP/SQUADRON> , and the men and women of the United Sates Air Force,
welcome to today’s retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sergeant <NAME>
following [##] years of honorable service to the United States Air Force. At
this time, we would appreciate your turning off all cellular telephones and
pagers.
We are privileged to have several distinguished guests here with us today.
Please hold your applause until all names have been called:
[names of guests]
NARRATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the
arrival of the official party, the Advancement of the Colors and the singing of
the National Anthem by <SINGER NAME>.
Color Guard marches in and presents the colors.
National Anthem is played. (Official party faces the flags at the first note of
the National Anthem.)
Color Guard posts the colors and departs.
[Official Party] faces the flags at the first note of the National Anthem.
National Anthem is sung.
NARRATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, <Father/Pastor/Preacher> will now give today’s
invocation.
Official Party goes to “At Rest”.
NARRATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. I would now like to introduce
today’s Presiding Official, Colonel David B. Warner.
Official makes comments about career of Chief <NAME>.
(Cue when Official is finished speaking)
NARRATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the presentation of the
Meritorious Service Medal to Chief <NAME>.
Chief <NAME> moves into place beside Official
Official Party comes to attention.
NARRATOR:
Reads decoration citation when the Official Party is in place and at
“Attention” AWARD PRESENTATION
NARRATOR: “Attention to orders. Citation to accompany the award of the
<DEC> to Chief Master Sergeant <NAME>. [decoration narrative]
[proffer] proceeds to Official’s right on the cue “The
Singularly.”
Official and Chief <NAME> face each other on the cue “The Singularly.”
Official receives the medal, clips it to Chief <NAME>’s uniform and pauses for
photographs.
They exchange handshakes and salutes. Proffer hands citation to Official and he
and Chief <NAME> pose for photo with citation. Official hands citation back to
Proffer
Official and Chief <NAME> face front toward the audience.
Official gives the order to “Face” on the words “Distinctive Accomplishments.”
Chief <NAME> faces Official and Proffer retrieves medal and certificate, and
moves to a position between Official and Chief <NAME>.
Official pins medal on Chief
<NAME>. Pause for photograph.
After medal and certificate are done, Official gives the order “Front” and the
Official Party faces the audience.
(Start applauding)
RETIREMENT CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION
NARRATOR: [Official] will now retire Chief
Master Sergeant <NAME>
NARRATOR: Attention to orders. The Department of the Air Force Special Order
Number AC-##### dated <DATE>. By order of the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief
Master Sergeant <NAME> is relieved from his active duty responsibilities
effective <DATE>. Signed, [rank/name], United States Air Force Chief Of Staff.
(pause)
Certificate of Retirement from the Armed Forces of the United States Of America.
To all who shall see these presents, greeting: this is to certify that Chief
Master Sergeant <NAME> having served faithfully and honorably, was retired from
the United States Air Force on the <DATE>. Signed <NAME>, General, Chief of
Staff of the Air Force and <NAME>, <RANK>, <DUTY TITLE>, <BASE> Air Force Base,
<STATE>
Proffer moves forward cue on “signed <NAME>, General, Chief of Staff of
the Air Force”
Official Party face each other as the Proffer moves forward to hand the
retirement certificate to the Official
Official presents certificate to Chief <NAME>, handshake, pause for photo,
salute, face front
Proffer retrieves certificate and returns it to table. Prepares for presentation
of letters.
NARRATOR: We now have two {add
or delete as needed} Certificates of Appreciation that we would like to
present. The first reads:
Certificate of Appreciation, for service in the Armed Forces of the United
States. Chief Master Sergeant <NAME>, I extend to you my personal thanks and the
sincere appreciation of a grateful nation for your contribution of honorable
service to our country. You helped maintain the security of the nation during a
critical time in its history with a devotion to duty and a sprit of sacrifice in
keeping with the proud traditions of military service. Your commitment and
dedication have been an inspiration for those who will follow in your footsteps,
and for all Americans who join me today in saluting you for a job extremely well
done. My best wishes to you for happiness and success in the future. George W.
Bush Jr., Commander-in-Chief
Proffer moves forward to hand letters to Official Cue on “my best wishes”
Official presents letters to Chief <NAME>, handshake, pause for photo, salute,
face front
Proffer retrieves letters and returns it to table. Prepares for presentation of
second certificate
The second certificate reads:
NARRATOR:
Dear Chief <NAME>
[letter/certificate contents]
Proffer moves forward to hand letters to Official. Cue on “my best wishes”
Official presents letters to Chief <NAME>, handshake, pause for photo, salute,
face front
Proffer retrieves certificate and returns it to table.
Prepares for presentation of Mrs. <NAME>’s certificate
NARRATOR: At this time, I would like to invite Mrs.
<NAME> to come forward. (Mrs. <NAME> escorted to stage)
Mrs. <NAME> stands between Official and Chief <NAME>
NARRATOR:
Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Air Force. In
grateful appreciation, The United States Air Force presents this certificate of
recognition to: [SPOUSE NAME] for the commitment and numerous contributions that
made positive impacts to the Nations defense. Thank you for the support, which
gave strength and purpose to your spouse’s service. Given this <DATE>, Signed
<NAME>, General, Chief Of Staff Of The Air Force and <NAME>, <RANK>, <DUTY
TITLE>, <BASE> Air Force Base
“At this time, I would like to read a personal letter of appreciation to [spouse
name].”
NARRATOR: Dear [spouse name]
[letter contents]
All three pose for photographs.
Proffer brings lapel pin when retrieving the certificate and letter.
Official hands letter back to Proffer and takes the retirement pin.
He then
hands the pin to Mrs <NAME>.
NARRATOR: “Every retiree receives a special retirement pin as a memento of their
active duty service. At this time, I’d like to ask Mrs <NAME> to place this pin
on her husband’s lapel to symbolize transition from active duty to retired
status.” Mrs <NAME> affixes the pin to Chief
<NAME>’s lapel.
(Cue: When Mrs <NAME> finishes putting the pin on)
NARRATOR: “Thank you Mrs. <NAME>.”
Mrs <NAME>returns to seat (Escorted by Chief
<NAME>)
NARRATOR: “At this time, Official will make a presentation on behalf of the 50th
Communications Group.” Proffer hands shadow box to Official
Official presents shadow box to Chief <NAME>, pause for photo, face front
NARRATOR: “On behalf of your many friends, we wish to present to you a shadow
box, which culminates a military members career. Enclosed is what is known as
the military member's most honored and cherished possession, the United States
National Flag. The flag which you have so proudly served and so honorably
defended. The flag which we honor and serve under is the true emblem of our
unity, our thoughts, our power and purpose as a nation. Accept it, protect it,
guard it, and ever remember that the young men and women you have trained,
guided, and inspired will follow in your footsteps and defend it with equal
pride. On this occasion, we consider we have lost a true leader while society
has gained a fine citizen. Chief <NAME>, good luck and god speed.”
Proffer retrieves shadow box returns it to table.
FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY
NARRATOR: “Ladies and gentlemen, the Honor Guard will perform the
flag folding ceremony described by the uniformed services is a dramatic and
uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like the retirement of Chief
<NAME> for his XX years of service and contributions to the United States Air
Force.”
Honor Guard and the flag passing detail enter the room to pre-determined
position. Honor guard will unfold the flag for the flag folding ceremony
NARRATOR:
Await cue from the Honor Guard prior to reading the Prelude and Body
of flag folding text.”
Cue: (Begin reading once Detail is in place)
NARRATOR: “THE FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY REPRESENTS THE SAME RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES ON
WHICH OUR COUNTRY WAS ORIGINALLY FOUNDED. THE PORTION OF THE FLAG DENOTING HONOR
IS THE CANTON OF BLUE CONTAINING THE STARS REPRESENTING THE STATES OUR VETERANS
SERVED IN UNIFORM. THE CANTON FIELD OF BLUE DRESSES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND IS
INVERTED WHEN DRAPED AS A PALL ON A CASKET OF A VETERAN WHO HAS SERVED OUR
COUNTRY IN UNIFORM.
IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, AT THE CEREMONY OF RETREAT THE FLAG IS
LOWERED, FOLDED IN A TRIANGLE FOLD AND KEPT UNDER WATCH THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT AS
A TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION'S HONORED DEAD. THE NEXT MORNING IT IS BROUGHT OUT AND,
AT THE CEREMONY OF REVEILLE, RUN ALOFT AS A SYMBOL OF OUR BELIEF IN THE
RESURRECTION OF THE BODY.”
(Wait for the Honor Guard to unravel and fold the flag
into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)
NARRATOR: THE FIRST FOLD OF OUR FLAG IS A SYMBOL OF LIFE.
THE SECOND FOLD IS A SYMBOL OF OUR BELIEF IN THE ETERNAL LIFE.
THE THIRD FOLD IS MADE IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF THE VETERAN DEPARTING OUR
RANKS WHO GAVE A PORTION OF LIFE FOR THE DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY TO ATTAIN A
PEACE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
THE FOURTH FOLD REPRESENTS OUR WEAKER NATURE, FOR AS AMERICAN CITIZENS TRUSTING
IN GOD, IT IS TO HIM WE TURN IN TIMES OF PEACE AS WELL AS IN TIMES OF WAR FOR
HIS DIVINE GUIDANCE.
THE FIFTH FOLD IS A TRIBUTE TO OUR COUNTRY, FOR IN THE WORDS OF STEPHEN DECATUR,
"OUR COUNTRY, IN DEALING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES, MAY SHE ALWAYS BE RIGHT; BUT IT
IS STILL OUR COUNTRY, RIGHT OR WRONG."
THE SIXTH FOLD IS FOR WHERE OUR HEARTS LIE. IT IS WITH OUR HEART THAT WE PLEDGE
ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR
WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE
FOR ALL.
THE SEVENTH FOLD IS A TRIBUTE TO OUR ARMED FORCES, FOR IT IS THROUGH THE ARMED
FORCES THAT WE PROTECT OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FLAG AGAINST ALL HER ENEMIES, WHETHER
THEY BE FOUND WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR REPUBLIC.
THE EIGHTH FOLD IS A TRIBUTE TO THE ONE WHO ENTERED IN TO THE VALLEY OF THE
SHADOW OF DEATH, THAT WE MIGHT SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY, AND TO HONOR MOTHER, FOR
WHOM IT FLIES ON MOTHER'S DAY.
THE NINTH FOLD IS A TRIBUTE TO WOMANHOOD; FOR IT HAS BEEN THROUGH THEIR FAITH,
LOVE, LOYALTY AND DEVOTION THAT THE CHARACTER OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE MADE
THIS COUNTRY GREAT HAVE BEEN MOLDED.
THE TENTH FOLD IS A TRIBUTE TO FATHER, FOR HE, TOO, HAS GIVEN HIS SONS AND
DAUGHTERS FOR THE DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY SINCE THEY WERE FIRST BORN.
THE ELEVENTH FOLD, IN THE EYES OF A HEBREW CITIZEN, REPRESENTS THE LOWER PORTION
OF THE SEAL OF KING DAVID AND KING SOLOMON, AND GLORIFIES, IN THEIR EYES, THE
GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB.
THE TWELFTH FOLD, IN THE EYES OF A CHRISTIAN CITIZEN, REPRESENTS AN EMBLEM OF
ETERNITY AND GLORIFIES, IN THEIR EYES, GOD THE FATHER, THE SON, AND HOLY GHOST.
WHEN THE FLAG IS COMPLETELY FOLDED, THE STARS ARE UPPERMOST, REMINDING US OF OUR
NATIONAL MOTTO, "IN GOD WE TRUST."
(Wait for the Flag Detail to inspect the
flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)
When flag detail raises the flag, the flag passing detail comes to “Attention.”
NARRATOR: AFTER THE FLAG IS COMPLETELY FOLDED AND TUCKED IN, IT TAKES ON THE
APPEARANCE OF A COCKED HAT, EVER REMINDING US OF THE SOLDIERS WHO SERVED UNDER
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE SAILORS AND MARINES WHO SERVED UNDER CAPTAIN
JOHN PAUL JONES WHO WERE FOLLOWED BY THEIR COMRADES AND SHIPMATES IN THE ARMED
FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, PRESERVING FOR US THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND
FREEDOMS WE ENJOY TODAY.
FLAG PASSING/PRESENTATION CEREMONY NARRATOR:
WE NOW TAKE THE FOLDED FLAG AND SYMBOLICALLY PASS THE FLAG
THROUGH THE ENLISTED RANKS COMMEMORATING CHIEF <NAME>’S RISE IN RANK AND RESPONSIBILITY
(Cue: Once flag detail has handed flag to AB, begin reading) NARRATOR:
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT <NAME> BECAME AN AIRMAN BASIC,
<DATE>.
flag detail lead hands flag to AB, and then flag detail marches to the back of
room.
(Cue: Once flag detail has left, begin reading)
NARRATOR: LET THE BUGLE BLOW
LET THE MARCH BE PLAYED
WITH A FORMING OF THE TROOPS
FOR MY LAST PARADE
• AIRMAN, <DATE>
(AB passes flag to Amn) THE YEARS OF WARS AND YEARS OF WAITING
OBEDIENCE TO ORDERS
UNHESITATING
YEARS IN THE STATES
AND YEARS OVERSEAS
• AIRMAN FIRST CLASS, <DATE>
(Amn passes flag to A1C)
ALL WOVEN IN A WEB
OF MEMORIES
A LIFE TIME OF SERVICE
PASSES IN REVIEW
• SENIOR AIRMAN <DATE> / SERGEANT
(A1C passes flag to SrA)
AS MANY GOOD FRIEND
AND EXOTIC PLACES TOO
IN THE WANING SUNLIGHT
BEGIN TO FADE • STAFF SERGEANT,
<DATE>
(SrA passes flag to SSgt)
WITH THE MARTIAL MUSIC
OF MY LAST PARADE
MY LAST SALUTE
TO THE SERVICE AND THE BASE • TECHNICAL SERGEANT,
<DATE>
(SSgt passes flag to TSgt)
NOW SOMEONE ELSE
WILL TAKE MY PLACE
TO THE SHARP YOUNG AIRMEN
MARCHING AWAY • MASTER SERGEANT,
<DATE>
(TSgt passes flag to MSgt)
I GLADLY PASS
THE ORDERS OF THE DAY
THOUGH UNCERTAIN
OF WHAT MY FUTURE MAY HOLD • SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT,
<DATE>
(MSgt passes flag to SMSgt)
STILL, IF NEEDED
BEFORE I GROW OLD
I’LL KEEP MY SABER SHARP
MY POWDER DRY
LEST I BE RECALLED
TO DUTY BY AND BY
• CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT 1 <DATE>
(SMSgt passes flag to CMSgt)
SO LET THE BUGLE BLOW
FIRE THE EVENING GUN
SLOWLY LOWER THE COLORS
MY RETIREMENT HAS BEGUN
• RETIRED EFFECTIVE <DATE>
(CMSgt moves to the right and passes flag to Chief <NAME>)
Chief <NAME> receives the flag from Chief .
Chief returns to his position with the flag passing detail.
The flag passing detail will step off and march to the back of room. (use facing
movements and halt in line)
NARRATOR: “CHIEF <NAME> WILL NOW PRESENT HIS WIFE THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY.”
Chief <NAME> then presents flag to his wife, who will be seated in the front
row. RETIREE’S REMARKS
(Cue: Start when Chief <NAME> returns to the stage) NARRATOR:
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT, RETIRED,
<NAME> WILL NOW
GIVE HIS REMARKS.”
During his remarks, Chief <NAME> will make presentations to members of his
family.
Proffer will hand flowers and gifts to Chief <NAME> on cue.
(Cue: When his remarks are completed, he returns to his chair and remains
standing.)
CLOSING REMARKS
NARRATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today’s ceremony. On behalf of
Chief <NAME> and family, I would like to thank you for participating in today’s
ceremony. Please join us for a reception to immediately follow in <LOCATION>.
NARRATOR: Please rise for the playing of the Air Force Song and the departure of
the Official Party.
Playing of the Air Force Song
Official party departs stage at their discretion (Presiding Official leads) |
