1 post tagged “stars and stripes”

and nobody gives a shit. OK, so it's not the kind of day where we typically attend a ceremony or service or even a family cookout. But, it represents a significant piece of our history as Americans. Did YOU even know it was Flag Day today? Probably not, and that's ok. I'm not so pretentious as to judge you or your character just because you don't have red and blue on today. Are any of your friends or colleagues wearing something symbolizing Flag Day....something as simple and innocuous as a flag pin or flag tie? No, its not likely. Why? Because its (sadly) become unacceptable to be proud to be American. We're so concerned that someone will think we support the war in Iraq or we support the boob in the White House. Remember the split second we all felt patriotic shortly after 9/11? We were all as one---all Americans---standing tall and united in support of each other. For a handful of days, we didn't notice race or religion, state or regionality. There were no political party divisions, no lines drawn in the sand overseas, no colors seen except red, white and blue.

 

Yeah, I've seen the "ugly American" episode overseas.....It's been repeated again and again in London, Paris, Istanbul, Bagdhad, Tokyo, Rome, Moscow and any every other city away from US soil. I've been embarassed to be American more frequently than most of you. Is that any reason to forget, or, worse yet, purposely ignore or deny our heritage???

Yes, perhaps I'm a bit corny....wearing a Ralph Lauren flag tie today. Maybe I'm a bit more sensitive to the issue than your average American. Maybe I care because I'm a former military guy, happy and thankful to be living here in America, and grateful for the sacrifices of my brothers and fathers and sisters. I'm willing to accept all of those labels. For those of you that view me as a war monger or a crazy, blind American zealot because I still love our country despite its (admittedly) many flaws, eff you. If you're not thankful for the freedoms afforded you, the sacrifices that have been made by faceless thousands before you, the basic human rights that we all take for granted almost every day, eff you. If you can't take 60 seconds out of your day, while you wait in line for your double nonfat soy latte, to remember how lucky you are, may the barista piss in your spill proof travel mug.

For those that care in the slightest, and I hope there's at least a small handful of you, here's some history and protocol for the Stars and Stripes....my tribute to a long forgotten day (Flag Day, remember?) that celebrates the symbol of our freedom and the blood and sacrifice of our predecessors.

Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride! 

Properly Display Our Flag

There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag.  The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying  the American flag:

• The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
• In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
• The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
• The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
• After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's  called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.
• When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
• The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
• The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
• Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
• Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
•  When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

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Famous Flag People:

Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to make the country's first flag and the rest is history.

Francis Scott Key Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem, as he witnessed the event. British rockets whizzed in the air, while our American Flag flew in the wind.

Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist.

 

Happy Flag Day everyone! May your day be filled with all of the things we take for granted, and may you appreciate, even if just for one day, what our Stars and Stripes represents....