How to Officiate for a Military Retirement

Send off military retirees in style.

Since the military keeps a country safe and secure, it's no wonder that it's such a big event when someone from the five services retires. It isn't the salary that causes someone to become a so-called "lifer" and spend 30 years or more defending his country. It's an abiding love that person has for his country that spurs him on to play a role in the military. So it's only fitting he receives a formal and memorable farewell.

Instructions

1. Make a person retiring from the military feel gratified by the time he spent defending the citizens of his country and that he will always be a family member of the service. The retiree will receive tangible recognition of his service, usually from her commanding officer, which can include, in some cases, a note from the president of the United States.

2. Confirm the date and time of the ceremony, and delegate the numerous tasks that are necessary to make the event successful. Included in that task is making sure that appropriate mementos are obtained for the ceremony, including obtaining the guest list and preparing invitations to the event. Make sure that you have an agenda for the event. If the honoree is to receive a note from the president, make sure that the particulars are sent at least 45 days before the event. The level of planning for a retirement is similar to the requirements of a change of command.

3. Consider a parade if more than one officer is retiring from the military. In such a case, the person with the most junior rank will be honored first, and with the senior-most officer coming last in the ceremony. As the spouses of the retirees are honored almost as much as the retirees themselves, they should be seated just behind the official party.

4. Plan a less formal retirement ceremony where there is no parade. As the presiding officer, you will meet the family members of the retiree, and they will sit in the front row for the ceremony. If you are presenting a decoration, read it to the audience after you have asked them to rise. You will then sum up the retiree's career in the service, followed by reading the retirement order. You will then ask the honoree's spouse to come forward so you can present the certificate of appreciation. Conclude the ceremony by asking the official party to depart, and meet the retiree, spouse and family at a reception that is usually planned.

References

• Military Husbands: Retirement Ceremonies