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Military Ball




Each year the Air Force and the Military hold a Military Ball (formal Dining Out)


DRESS CODE

Guests wearing civilian attire will dress as follows:
- Women: will wear a formal evening dress or gown, it should be knee to floor length and tasteful.
- Men: will wear a dark suit ( Tuxedo is optional, no "khaki's and ties".


RECEIVING LINE

Receiving lines are located at the entrance. Some people tend to avoid the receiving lines, this is a "discourteous action". The first person in the line will be in charge of announcing the names of the guests (usually the commander of the hosting event). Everyone in the line, including the first person, will shake hands and give a brief introduction, usually of the person and their date, or just the person if they are attending alone.


POSTING OF THE COLORS

Once everybody has been introduced, they go to their tables to wait for Madam or Mister Vice to introduce themselves and the members of the head table. Once this is completed, the Colors are posted.


POW/MIA CEREMONY

This is a very solemn ceremony conducted to honor those (men and women) who remain missing in action or as prisoners of war. A table is set in the middle for all to see and remember them.


TOASTS

Before dinner, the toasts are done to honor the military personnel, leaders and guests. Also a silent toast is performed to honor the prisoners and missing in action.


DINNER

Dining In Rules apply when the dining part commences. Usually you are to follow your table heads on dining if you get confused. This is where the salad, main course and desserts are eaten.


GUEST SPEAKER

On each ball a distinguished guest is asked to address the assembly of military personnel, This person usually has some connection with the armed forces.


DANCE

Following the dinner, the colors are retired and the Ball Dance begins.