Tradition of Naval Colors

 Colors. The start and end of every Navy day. The ceremony that we honor the National Ensign with. Conducted at every installation and in-port ship the Navy has, it is a time-honored tradition that has been done since the US Navy's begining. This tradition started with the Royal Navy of England and was carried over by the Contenetial Navy. The National Anthem and Taps are played at morning and evening colors respectivly. It is a tradition that should inspire pride and honor in every Salior.

Conducted at 0800 and sunset, colors is a detail Saliors should be both proud and honored to be a part of. It marks the start and end of every day in a Saliors life, and as such should be done with appropriate bearing. Honors are rendered to the ensign as it is raised or lower, and silence is obsevered for the duration of the music. These tokens of respect are paid in reverence to this tradition. The national anthem is played during morning colors as the ensign is hoisted smartly to the top of the mast and, if necessary, lowered back to half-mast. Also at this time onboard ship, the Union Jack is hoisted on the jack staff. During evening colors taps is played as the flag is, if at half mast, raised smartly to the top of the mast and then lowered cerimoniously. If not at half-mast, the esign is lowered as when it is at half-mast. Also the Union Jack is lowered at this time onboard ship.

Only done onboard ships is the shifting of the colors. This is done when a ship in port is getting underway. When this happens, the ensign and Union Jack are hauled down smartly, while the ensign is run up the gaff in the same manner. Afterwards, any flags and pennants not flown while underway are hauled down smartly. (Note: no reference was found to music played during this ceremony.) The ensign is also flow at the masthead when a ship is firing a gun salute in honor of as US national anniversary, and the current or former presidents. For other occasions other than these that warrent a...