It is NOT a traditional send off.
It MAY be done but I know many retired pilots who were not washed out, most because they didn't make a big deal of their retirement.
overstress,
I've witnessed it a few times
Quite.
manrow,
this refers to the pilot commanding the 777 on the day of the accident.
Edited to add: and probably more interesting than some of the rubbish spouted on this thread.