SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-flag-raise-lower-speed

In flag ceremonies, how is the flag raised, and how is it lowered?

Raised briskly, lowered slowly and with dignity.

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  1. Raised slowly, lowered briskly
  2. Both at the same slow pace
  3. Raised briskly, lowered slowly ✔

Why: At reveille the detail raises the flag briskly starting at the first note of the music. At retreat the detail lowers it slowly and with dignity, timed to finish with the music, never letting it touch the ground.

Huh, didn't know that: The flag is raised and lowered from the leeward (downwind) side of the flagstaff.

The dad joke
Why did the flag go up so fast? It heard the music and couldn't wait to wave.
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References

Answer: Raised briskly, lowered slowly. At reveille the detail raises the flag briskly starting at the first note of the music. At retreat the detail lowers it slowly and with dignity, timed to finish with the music, never letting it touch the ground.

  1. CAPP 60-33, Civil Air Patrol Drill & Ceremonies, November 2025 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6033_2217FEEE8C89F.pdf
    The junior members of the flag security detail lower the flag slowly and with dignity.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. CAPP 60-33, Civil Air Patrol Drill & Ceremonies, November 2025 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6033_2217FEEE8C89F.pdf
    the flag security detail begins to raise the flag briskly.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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