ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNEWS) -- Air Force officials held an Air Force Review in "Heritage to Horizons" style revitalizing a 300-year-old military ceremony and presented it to a modern audience April 14 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va.
The Air Force Review was hosted by Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, the Air Force District of Washington commander, and featured the Air Force Band and Air Force Honor Guard.
The ceremony was held to honor the traditions of the past. It showcased the military origins of the review ceremony, as well as highlighted the "excellence and readiness of military troops, exhibiting on the parade ground the precision and teamwork essential for mission success," said the event announcer.
The review began with a solo bugler sounding "Assembly" to signal the troops to prepare for review. With the arrival of the official party, the bugler sounded the signal for the Air Force Honor Guard flights to march on. The presentation of command to General Smolen came next, followed by the presentation of the colors.
To honor the military members who are serving or who have served, a moment of silence was held after the playing of the national anthem. Once the colors were presented, the Air Force Band played a musical selection, including a showcase drum performance.
The final piece of the ceremony was the pass in review, in which General Smolen reviewed the Airmen as they passed the official party.
The history of the Air Force Review ceremony stems from King William III of England. His troops, while serving in the Netherlands, were housed in the towns and villages around the battlefields. To signal it was time to return to garrison, drummers marched through the streets.
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