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“I relinquish command.”
“I assume command.”
Across the globe, these words are spoken to signify one of the biggest changes a military unit can experience: new leadership.
A change of command is a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commander to another in the presence of those both above and below the command – not only the Airmen in the unit, but the senior leadership of the unit is also present as the officiating party.
The passing of the flag ceremony shows that military members are never without leadership. During the ceremony, the guidon is passed between the unit’s first sergeant, the old and new commanders, and the officiating party, signifying the transfer of responsibilities and the entrustment of a unit into the new commander’s hands.
“The passing of the flag signifies that the military members are never without a commander, not even for a second,” said Christopher Koonce, 20th Fighter Wing historian. “That is why the guidon or organizational flag is never let go during that part of the ceremony.”
According to Koonce, the ceremony dates back centuries to the Roman Empire. Today, the change of command ceremony continues to provide personnel in a unit the opportunity to recognize and honor the achievements of the past and the face of the future.
“Our military, our Air Force is built on discipline and traditions,” said Jackie Wren, 20th Fighter Wing chief of protocol. “Acknowledging the history and continuing the legacy is a big deal. Change of command ceremonies are an opportunity for soldiers to stand up tall and show pride in their unit.”
Signifying the beginning of a new era and the end of an old, change of commands are a longstanding part of Air Force and military tradition. Passing the flag through the generations has allowed and will continue to allow military generations to connect with their predecessors and their successors through a tradition of honor.
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2016 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 207299 |
| Location: | SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Passing the flag through generations, by SSgt Destinee Sweeney, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
