Hail and Farewell

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For the 1936 British film, see Hail and Farewell (film).

Hail and Farewell (a translation of ave atque vale, last words of the poem Catullus 101) is a traditional military event whereby those coming to and departing from an organization are celebrated. This may coincide with a change in command, be scheduled on an annual basis, or be prompted by any momentous organizational change. It is a time to honor those who have departed the unit and thank them for their service. At the same time it is a welcome to those who are joining and introduces them to the special history and traditions of their new organization. This celebration builds organizational camaraderie and esprit de corps. It supports a sense of continuity through change.

United States[]

For the United States Army, a Hail and Farewell is most often celebrated at a formal dining in when there is a change in command. This provides the unit with a formal setting in which to welcome the new commander and honor the old commander. Some units may elect a less formal Dining Out in which family members and other non-military guests are encouraged to take place in the unit change. There are no official requirements outlined by the United States Army to have a Hail and Farewell celebration. It is up to each unit to carry out this tradition as they see fit.[1]

The United States Navy, on the other hand, has specified that by custom the ship's officers must give a formal dinner when their new captain arrives. There may also be a formal dinner for the departing captain and these may be combined into one formal Hail and Farewell dinner.[2]

After visiting Arlington National Cemetery I was moved to write down the sense of honor and respect I had for those there. I hope this poem brings comfort and understanding to all those who hear it.


The Final Hail and Farewell

MSgt (Ret) William “Bill” Cordes

Attention to orders I thought I heard someone say

To welcome this veteran Who has joined us today

Row upon row of stones stand tall

Marking earlier members Who had answered the call

On farms and in cities They grew up fit

They had a job to do And they did it

The silence was broken As the procession went by

Stopping in place Where the hero will lie

The flag was folded And I felt a great pride

Believing those here Welcomed another to their side

Unknowns will thank you And I pray you were blessed

Now join fellow warriors Who gave us their best

And oh the stories They will tell

There at your final Hail and Farewell

Notes[]

  1. ^ "Dining-In". Welfare, Recreation, and Morale. United States Army. March 1985. Archived from the original on 2009-12-30.
  2. ^ "MILITARY CUSTOMS AND CEREMONIES (AMERICAN AND BRITISH)". United States Army Military History Institute (USAMHI). November 1989.

References[]

  • The Naval Officer's Guide, 11th Edition (U.S. Naval Institute, 1998), p.102
  • Dalessandro, Col. Robert J. Army Officer's Guide, Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA.
    (covers customs of the United States Army)
  • Swartz, Oretha. Service Etiquette, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD.
    (covers customs of the United States Military)
  • Home Book of Quotations, 8th ed (NY: Dodd, Mead, 1956; RefColl), p. 165, attributes the following line to the Odes of Gaius Valerius Catullus (ca 84-ca 54 BC):
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