|
|
by Johnny Cash |
|
|
|
|
by Johnny Cash |
|
|
The National Flag Day Foundation, Inc
I'll wave to all of you, as
you leave
|
The Meaning of the U. S. Flag Ceremony |
| The First fold of
our flag is a symbol of life.
The Second fold is a symbol of our belief the eternal life. The Third fold is mode in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world. The Fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The Fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong." The Six fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God. Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The Seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The Eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. The Ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The Tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of out country since they were first born. The Eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the Soldiers who served under General George Washington and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. |
How to Fly the American FlagBasic Flag Etiquette |
Let's look at proper etiquette for hanging or
displaying the United States flag so we can give Old Glory the respect
she deserves.
Standards for handling and displaying the American flag are set
forth by the United States Code, written into law by Congress in 1942.
This federal code does not impose penalties for improper handling or
misuse of the flag, but states do have laws regarding this, and most
of our fellow citizens expect the flag to be treated with respect.
The U.S. Code is more strict about some
aspects of handling the flag than contemporary culture demands—it
states, for example, that the flag should not be "printed or
otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is
designed for temporary use and discard." Our society has
interpreted some of the rules rather loosely because we're
enthusiastic about displaying our national symbol. Nevertheless, some
important rules of decorum should be followed.
Here are the basics:
Ideally, an American flag on your house should hang from a staff
that angles out from the front wall, a windowsill, or balcony. It's a
good idea to screw a bracket made for holding a flagstaff to the trim.
Fasten it securely so it won't become soiled or damaged. Do not allow
the flag to touch the ground, floor, water, or anything else beneath
it. It's also appropriate to hang the flag from a horizontal staff.
Whether the flag hangs from an angled or
horizontal staff, be sure the union or canton (the rectangle with the
stars) is at the peak. (Hanging the flag with the union down signals
extreme distress.) When our President declares the flag to be flown at
half-staff, it is acceptable to hang the flag from a horizontal staff
with the union down, though your neighbors may not understand why
you're doing this.
When the flag is displayed either
horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be at the
top and to your left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be
hung so that the union is on the left when you see it from the street.
The American flag is meant to be a flag; don't use it for any other
purpose. For example, don't use it as drapery, ceiling decoration, or
as a bed spread. And never use it as a receptacle for carrying or
holding anything.
Though it is customary to fly the flag from
sunrise to sunset, the U.S. Code says that "when a patriotic
effect is desired," you can display it around the clock. If you
do, you should illuminate it with a light.
If you display the American flag next to
other flags or pennants, place it on the right side of a single flag
or at the center of a group and slightly higher than the other flags.
If an American flag is on the same staff as other flags, it should
always be at the top. The gist is that other flags should not be in
positions of greater prominence or honor.
When displayed from a car, the flagstaff should be fixed or clamped
firmly to the vehicle, ideally on the right side. The flag should not
be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back. The same holds true for
a flag displayed on a float in a parade. Don't carry the flag flat or
horizontally. And, because it is not meant to be apparel, do not wear
a United States flag. If you wear a lapel flag, pin it on the left
side, near your heart.
Why bother with flag etiquette when you're
excited about flying the Stars and Stripes? I figure that, for more
than two hundred years, our country's military, firefighters, police,
and other service personnel have practiced these measures faithfully,
treating our flag with the highest esteem. This is one way we can meet
the high standard they have set.
|
|
|
visitors
