In a time when folks are bitterly divided on everything from Colin Kapernick to Donald Trump, and the Cove looks more like a Holy War between two sides of the same coin; Memorial Day should, I hope, offer a moment of near universal unity for our nation and the Red Board.
I hope all of us can find a moment to reflect and appreciate our fallen brothers who have allowed this nation to indulge ourselves with hot dogs and cheap mattresses on day so solemn and righteous in purpose.
Below I have attached some basic info concerning the proper flag etiquette for Memorial Day, in case anyone is displaying a flag. If possible I would encourage everyone to do so, and teach our kids to observe it as well.
On a related note, if anyone knows veterans who have served please take the opportunity to learn from them and capture their stories as best you can (provided they are willing to share) so that we might all learn about war from those who have felt it first hand. Their lessons, once lost, can only be redound by another generation enduring the same hell for themselves.
THanks, and God bless...
The American flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only on Memorial Day, and then should be raised to the top of the staff. When raising the flag to half-staff, it “should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position,” according to U.S. Code Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 7. “The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.”
When you attend a memorial service, you need to know whether to salute Old Glory. During ceremonies when the flag is hoisted or raised, spectators who aren’t in military uniform should face the flag, stand at attention and place their right hands over their hearts. Others should:
If you’re in uniform, give a proper military salute;
A man who is not in uniform, but is wearing a hat should take it off with his right hand and hold it at his left shoulder with his palm resting on his heart;
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, stand at attention.
When the flag advances in a moving column, it is appropriate to salute it as it passes.
If you fly the red-white-and-blue at home, make sure flag is in pristine condition and isn’t tattered and torn, and that its red and white bars and the union (the blue field of stars) are bright and vibrant. If the flag is no longer suitable for display, dispose of it properly, preferably in a ceremonial burning. American Legion posts and other veteran groups often have flag-disposal ceremonies.
