Retirement Ceremony Honoring Sample Honoree

Order of Service

Suggested content requiring customer and command-protocol approval. Local custom varies by hosting command.

1. 6:45 PM

   Prelude and Seating of Guests

   Guests are seated; ushers assist reserved sections.

2. 7:00 PM

   Arrival of the Official Party

   The Official Party enters and takes positions.

3. 7:03 PM

   Presentation of the Colors

   The color guard presents the national and organizational colors.

4. 7:08 PM

   National Anthem

   The National Anthem is performed or played.

5. 7:12 PM

   Invocation

   An invocation or opening prayer may be offered.

6. 7:16 PM

   Welcome and Opening Remarks

   Opening remarks welcome guests and set the tone for the ceremony.

7. 7:22 PM

   Reading of the Orders

   Retirement orders may be read aloud.

8. 7:28 PM

   Career Highlights

   Remarks highlight the honoree’s career of service.

9. 7:45 PM

   Presentation of Awards and Certificates

   Awards, certificates, or keepsakes may be presented.

10. 7:55 PM

    Presentation of the Flag

    A folded flag may be presented to the honoree or family.

11. 8:03 PM

    Reading of the Watch

    A traditional reading of the watch may be offered.

12. 8:10 PM

    Remarks by the Honoree

    The honoree may offer personal remarks.

13. 8:22 PM

    Benediction

    A closing prayer or benediction may be offered.

14. 8:26 PM

    Retirement of the Colors

    The color guard retires the colors.

15. 8:35 PM

    Reception

    Guests proceed to the reception or are dismissed.

Remarks

• Guest Speaker

  Career Tribute

  Illustrative speaker bio for the preview site.