Retreat

The Retreat call marks the end of the official day. Following Retreat, if The Star-Spangled Banner is available, it is played while the flag is lowered. However, if there is no band or recording of the national anthem, the flag is lowered during playing of To the Color.

Regardless of the music played, Scouts participate in the ceremony by standing at parade rest and facing the flag or the direction of the music, demonstrating respect and reverence for the flag and the nation it represents.

Its roots trace back to the 19th century, with the earliest reference found in the 1841 US Cavalry manual. This call originated from the French bugle call La Retraite, composed by David Buhl in 1829.