POW/MIA Ceremony Placement in Itinerary

The Question

DrillMaster,

Like your site, need your help.

I recently attended the AF ball and the POW/MIA ceremony was at the conclusion of the Toasts. Now as we plan for the Navy ball, we have the order reversed where the POW/MIA ceremony precedes the Toasts.

Disclosure, it seems that the AF’s order was correct. Something about our draft Navy itinerary seems out of sync. I see it as having a somber POW/MIA moment and then followed with a bunch of toasts….just does not sit right with me.

What do you think?

Alternatively, do you know where my team can find the protocol answer on this?

Thank you again for your site and your assistance.

CDR C – USN

Navy Ball Itinerary

1800—Cocktail Hour
**first seating call
1850—Final Seating Call
1900—Ceremony Starts
**Arrival of official party
1905— Parading of Colors/National Anthem
**choir sings, Color Guard
1910—Invocation
1915—POW/MIA Presentation
**Choir Sings Eternal Father
1925—Toasts
1935—Dinner
**CDR  Opening Remarks
**Speech
2030—Presentation of Cake
**Drill Team Performance
**choir Anchors Away
2055–Benediction

My Answer

Hello CDR C,

Thank you for the kind words and your question.

To my knowledge, after spending 20+ years with the AF, there isn’t a specific order of events as to where to place the POW/MIA ceremony in the itinerary. As a matter of fact your itinerary is what I’ve dealt with many times throughout my career- minus the choir singing Eternal Father, which I love to hear/sing. I like your placement of the POW/MIA ceremony just before the choir with the toasts following and fully understand your take on why it is placed there.

Here are some key articles that are related to your question:

The POW/MIA Ceremony and How do you Honor the POW/MIA flag when Posting the Colors? I have color guard info if your team needs that also.

Happy Navy birthday and all my best to you, your Sailors and your family, sir.

Below is an alternative for you. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

1800—Cocktail Hour
**first seating call
1850—Final Seating Call
1900—Ceremony Starts
**Arrival of official party
1905— Parading of Colors/National Anthem
**choir sings, Color Guard
1910—Invocation
1915—Toasts (have everyone sit)
1925—POW/MIA Presentation
            **Choir Sings Eternal Father
1935—Dinner
**CDR  Opening Remarks
**Speech
2030—Presentation of Cake
**Drill Team Performance
**choir Anchors Away
2055–Benediction