standing at attention

Friends knew their old neighbor was home, still corresponding, because the flag on her mailbox seemed always to be standing at attention.

Hundreds of sailors were on hand for the event, each standing at attention during the playing of the national anthem.

On the tarmac, standing at attention and saluting, were sailors in their dress whites and an honor guard in service dress blues and campaign hats.

“Standing at attention and ready is also ensuring we are watching closely, scrutinizing with care and so that” — as she puts it — “Israeli atrocities are not given a pass.”

There is a strict regimen of menial tasks and duties, like cleaning and standing at attention.