For ATC Sunday 2013, I’ve been volunteered to act as “parade marshal” and Banner Party WO. The parade marshall bit is no problem, as luckily, due to it being a sectorized event next year, I only have 5 Squadrons to worry about, with no march past. Just a nice little form up and paying respects to the Sector OC and other staff. The issue I have is with the banner party within the church.
I’ve been given an order of service which seems to be suitable up until the point
[quote]Banner bearers will move into the central aisle, offset by 2 paces, and perform a right incline. The WO will take up position, and order banners to present arms. WO will salute during National Anthem[/quote]
Now, I may be missing the point, but surely a salute in this instance is incorrect? I’m in church, with no headdress on…
Or is there an obscure regulation hidden somewhere I’m unaware of?
As far as I’m aware the banner party would keep their headress on until the banner has been placed at the High Alter and they have retired to their places during the service. The National Anthem always gets played near the end our service before the recessional hymn before the banner party has retrived the banner so therefore nobody salutes. That said however we have a female officer on the unit who obviously keeps her headress on. Does she need to salute when the national anthem is played?
