This month our team will share one of the oldest military traditions—a New Year’s Reception! For more than one hundred years, military custom called for soldiers to travel to their headquarters to greet their commander at the beginning of the new year. In the post-Civil War era, particularly for the horse cavalry in the American West, this might have been the only opportunity during the entire year when commanders were able to physically see their soldiers. The tradition evolved into a formal receiving line and reception, where the commander and spouse would greet members of the organization, senior leaders, and community members. Commanders would typically host receptions in their home, and invitees would bring calling cards.

What Army spouse’s heart doesn’t swell just a bit when she or he hears the sharp flap of our beautiful American flag as it waves in the wind? It represents our wonderful country and the service for which their family devotes themselves. It always flies on post, sometimes in our front yards, and may well be what covers our hero’s casket at the end of life. To respect our flag and what it stands for, it’s important to know some of the background and etiquette that is expected of us.