Scouter s Guide for the U.S. Flag and Related Ceremonies

Transcription

1 Scouter s Guide for the U.S. Flag and Related Ceremonies January 2014 NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA PUBLICATION

2 Scouter s Guide: U.S. Flag and Related Ceremonies (Not an official Boy Scouts of America publication) Forward The flag of the United States inspires many reactions around the world. To our friends, it represents a loyal, respectable, honorable ally. To those that would cause us harm, it represents a tenacious and dedicated foe that would rather restore peaceful coexistence. There is nothing like seeing our American flag, come to life with the lightest breeze, sustain through the strongest gale, weather the storm, rise again to survive the blast of our enemies attack and comfort the families of the fallen and the survivors. It has inspired numerous citizens to do things in their lives they never thought possible; to take a stand to right a wrong, to shield the innocent, to take up arms to protect her and preserve the right of our fellow citizens to agree and disagree with our government and elected leadership. I may not agree with your opinion but I defend your right with my life to let you voice that opinion! "Old Glory, Long May It Wave" The Flag of The United States of America will stand only as long as most of us want it to stand. It is the symbol of this great Nation of ours, built from the hard work and sacrifice of those who have gone before us. The strength of our Nation is the sum total of that hard work and sacrifice, and the strength, cunning and prowess of our forefathers, our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, that answered her call, who have fought the good fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend her. Introduction This is the fifth in a series of guides, created to help fellow Scout leaders with a starting point to the knowledge we ve found essential to running a success scouting program. They are written by a number of long time scout leaders sharing their collective sources of information and experience. It is also a copulation of web articles, handbooks, handouts, newspaper articles and scraps of paper collected over the years. We hope you find this guide to be helpful! (Not an official Boy Scouts of America publication) 1

3 Scouter s Guide for the U.S. Flag and Related Ceremonies Table of Contents Chapters Subject title Page No Forward i Introduction i Table of Contents ii 1 Flag Etiquette Standards of Respect 1.2 Symbolism 2 Holidays and Events to display the Flag 2.1 Places of Continuous display 3 Displaying the Flag Indoors 3.1 Displaying the Flag Indoors 3.2 Decoration 3.3 Inappropriate display 4 Displaying the Flag Outdoors 4.1 Displaying the Flag Outdoors 4.2 Flag in Mourning (Half-staff/Half-masting the U.S. Flag) 4.3 Placing Flags on Veteran s Graves 4.4 Display on vehicles 4.5 Display on uniforms5 Color Guard Procedures 5.1 Honor Guard Duties 5.2 Indoors (Meetings, Court of Honors and Public ceremonies) 5.3 Outdoors (Unit and Camp-wide) 5.4 Raising and Lowering the Flag 5.5 Half-staff/Half-masting the U.S. Flag 5.6 Parades and Holidays 5.7 Funerals and Memorials 6 Flag Retirement Procedures and Ceremonies 6.1 Flag Retirement Procedures and Ceremonies 6.2 Retiring POW/MIA, State and Armed Forces Flags 6.3 Recycling our American Flag 7 History of our Flag 7.1 First flag 7.2 The Flag Resolution of Later flag acts 7.4 Historical progression of designs 7.5 The "Flower Flag" arrives in Asia 7.6 Similar national flags 8 Flag Design, Flag Poles and Color Guard Accessories 8.1 Purchase a U.S. Flag that has flown over the Capitol 8.2 Designer of America s Current National Flag: Robert G. Heft 8.3 Flag Sizes 8.4 Standard Proportions for the United States Flag 8.5 Parade Gear 9 Patriotic Poems, Letters, Essays and other inspiring Readings 9.01 Patriotism Short Readings Face the Flag 2

4 I Am Old Glory Remember Me? I am the Flag The American's Creed Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance 9.02 Patriotic Essays Our Flag - America's Tonic against Cynicism by Vice President Dan Quayle Flag Day American Self-Reliance by J. Ollie Edmunds The Meaning of Our Flag by Henry Ward Beecher "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry At Lincolns Tomb by Everett McKinley Dirksen Unfinished Task by Everett McKinley Dirksen Creed by Hal Borland Rights and Duties by Calvin Coolidge Portrait by John Francis Mercer An American without Reserve by Daniel Webster Daniel Webster Speaks at Bunker Hill by Samuel Griswold Goodrich 9.03 Poems of Patriotism The American Flag by Joseph Rodman Drake The Flag Goes By by Henry Holcomb Bennett I Am Old Glory by Master Sergeant Percy Webb, USMC My American Flag by Dan Solodon Flag of Our Union Ode to the Flag by Linda Sheehan Cunningham The Old Flag by H.C. Bunner Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash The Republic from "The Building of the Ship" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 9.04 Letters Lincoln letter to Mrs. Bixby. Letter of June 24, 1826, from Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman, declining to attend the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Recollections of the Boston Tea Party by George R. T. Hewes Letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush by Thomas Jefferson concerning the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Letter to Martha by George Washington Letter from a Navy Pilot - Battle of Midway, Anonymous Last Words to Her Fourteen-Year-Old Son by Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, Mother of Andrew Jackson 10 Patriotic Scoutmaster Minutes 10.1 Flag Day 10.2 Independence Day 10.3 Our Flag and Our Oath 10.4 Respect for the Flag 10.5 On Patriotism 10.6 Freedom for What? 11 Patriotic Scripts for Ceremonies 11.1 Opening Colors 11.2 Closing Colors 11.3 Flag Folding Ceremony 11.4 Flag Retirement Ceremony 11.5 Scouts Salute America Day 12 Patriotic Service Projects and Activities 12.1 A fitting Eagle Project 3

5 12.2 Erect Flag Pole, collect and conduct Flag Retirement Ceremony 13 Patriotic Songs and Hymns Lyrics 13.1 The Star Spangled Banner 13.2 America the Beautiful 13.3 AMERICA - My country, 'tis of Thee 13.4 God Bless America 13.5 The Stars and Stripes Forever 13.6 God Bless the USA 13.7 America 13.8 Battle Hymn of the Republic 13.9 A New Wind a Blowin' The Marines Hymn America, the Beautiful 14 Flag Myths, Quiz s and FAQs 14.1 Myths about the American Flag 14.2 United States Flag Quiz 14.3 Stars & Stripes Forever Flag Day Quiz 14.4 Why is the Flag patch "backwards" on Military uniforms? 15 Other symbols, flags and documents of our great nation 15.1 The Great Seal of the United States of America Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Seal 15.2 The National Mottos Frequently Asked Questions about the National Mottos 15.3 The Declaration of Independence 15.4 American Bald Eagle 15.5 POW/MIA flag 15.6 The Pledge of Allegiance Appendix A B C Flag-related Glossary The Boy Scout Advancement Requirements U.S. Flag Code 4

6 Chapter 1 Flag Etiquette 1.1 Standards of Respect 1.2 Symbolism 1.1 Standards of Respect The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are: The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service. The United States Flag Code outlines certain guidelines for the use, display, and disposal of the flag. For example, the flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, unless it is the ensign responding to a salute from a ship of a foreign nation. This tradition may come from the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, where countries were asked to dip their flag to King Edward VII: the American flag bearer did not. Team captain Martin Sheridan is famously quoted as saying "this flag dips to no earthly king", though the true provenance of this quotation is unclear. The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and, if flown at night, must be illuminated. If the edges become tattered through wear, the flag should be repaired or replaced. When a flag is so tattered that it can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. The American Legion and other organizations regularly conduct flag retirement ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14. (The Boy Scouts of America recommends that modern nylon or polyester flags be recycled instead of burned, due to hazardous gases being produced when such materials are burned.) Significantly, the Flag Code prohibits using the flag "for any advertising purpose" and also states that the flag "should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use". Both of these codes are generally ignored, almost always without comment. 5

7 One of the most commonly ignored and misunderstood aspects of the Flag Code is section 8. "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery." Section 3 of the Flag Code defines a flag for the purposes of the code. Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. Flag Code does permit the use of flag design in fashion et cetera, provided that such a design was not formed using the actual design of the flag. The wearing of any article of clothing representing the flag is allowed, however, the flag itself is not. Although the Flag Code is U.S. federal law, it is only binding on government institutions displaying the flag: there is no penalty for a private citizen or group failing to comply with the Flag Code and it is not widely enforced indeed, punitive enforcement would conflict with the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Passage of the proposed Flag Desecration Amendment would overrule legal precedent that has been established. The Salute To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge. The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music. Marching Flag Etiquette There are many rules and regulations associated with displaying the American flag. If you are marching with an American flag in a parade, there is certain etiquette that must be followed. Parading and Saluting the Flag When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute. Always Carry the Flag on your Right The American flag is often carried in parade. In all situations where it is carried, it should always be carried on the right hand side of your body. It should never be carried on the left. In a Procession of Flags If the American flag is being carried with other flags in a procession, it should be front of the procession. The person carrying the American flag should walk in the center of the procession. Standing Tall No flag or pennant should fly higher than the American flag. American Flags and Floats An American flag should never be draped on a parade float. If you're going to display an American flag on a float, it must be hanging on a staff. Parade Flag Etiquette There are some etiquette rules to remember when carrying a flag in a parade. 6

8 Flags can play a prominent role in parades, and there are specific etiquette rules that must be followed in order to handle flags properly. These guidelines can be especially important during holidays like the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day, when the American flag may be a central feature in the parade. Some tips can ensure the flag is displayed and kept in a respectful manner. Position Where the American flag is carried in a parade depends on who is carrying the flag and whether or not there are other flags displayed. If a group of marchers is accompanying the flag, the head marcher must carry the flag so that it is ahead of the group. If there are flags from other countries represented, the U.S. flag must also be the lead flag. Whoever carries the flag must hold it either in the center of their body or toward their right shoulder. Color Guard It is traditional for the American flag to be accompanied by a military color guard in a parade. This group of uniformed marchers follows behind the flag, marching in a concise manner. Those in uniform must always face the flag for this procession, with heads facing straight ahead. A military color guard also can help raise the flag up a flagpole at the end of the parade. Salutes Saluting the flag during a parade is a typical way to show respect. One salutes the American flag as it passes by, and it is especially traditional for those in uniform and former members of the military to salute as well. If there is more than one flag in the parade, it is only necessary to salute the first one as it passes by. Also, individuals can choose to place their hand over their heart instead of saluting. Hanging the Flag At the end of a parade, it is traditional to run the flag up a flagpole, sometimes in front of a city civic center or town hall. The flag should fly at the very top of the pole--unless it is decided that the flag will fly at half-staff to signify a mourning period--and should fly vertical to the floor. The side with the stars should be on the north side if hanging on an east-towest street, or to the east on a north-to-south street. Putting the Flag Away There are also etiquette rules to follow when it is time to put the flag away following the parade. It is traditional for two people to participate in folding the flag, and they should follow the proper steps to fold it into the shape of a triangle. The flag is also usually placed in a triangle-shaped box and stored in a dark space to prevent fading. Displaying a Flag from a Car in a Parade American flags can be displayed on vehicles. In this case, the flag's staff should be firmly attached to the right fender. Etiquette indicates it should never be draped on or over the vehicle at any time. 1.2 Symbolism What do the colors of the Flag mean? Sentimental writers and orators sometimes ascribe meanings to the colors in the flag. The practice is erroneous, as are statements on this subject attributed to George Washington and other founders of the country. From the book "Our Flag" published in 1989 by the House of Representatives... "On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers' beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not become a reality until June 20, In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated: 7

9 "The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice." Also this from a book about the flag published in 1977 by the House of Representatives... "The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun." The quote below concerning gold fringe on the Flag is from the book "So Proudly We Hail, The History of the United States Flag" Smithsonian Institute Press 1981, by Wiliam R. Furlong and Byron McCandless. "The placing of a fringe on Our Flag is optional with the person of organization, and no Act of Congress or Executive Order either prohibits the practice, according to the Institute of Hearaldry. Fringe is used on indoor flags only, as fringe on flags on outdoor flags would deteriorate rapidly. The fringe on a Flag is considered and 'honorable enrichment only', and its official use by the US Army dates from A 1925 Attorney General's Opinion states: 'the fringe does not appear to be regarded as an integral part of the Flag, and its presence cannot be said to constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute. An external fringe is to be distinguished from letters, words, or emblematic designs printed or superimposed upon the body of the flag itself. Under law, such additions might be open to objection as unauthorized; but the same is not necessarily true of the fringe.'" The gold trim is generally used on ceremonial indoor flags that are used for special services and is believed to have been first used in a military setting. It has no specific significance that I have ever run across, and its (gold trim) use is in compliance with applicable flag codes and laws. Symbolism Astronaut Buzz Aldrin salutes the United States flag on the surface of the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. A similar flag was planted on each of the five subsequent successful Moon landing missions. The modern meaning of the flag was forged in December 1860, when Major Robert Anderson moved the U.S. garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Adam Goodheart argues this was the opening move of the Civil War, and the flag was used throughout the North to symbolize American nationalism and rejection of secessionism. Before that day, the flag had served mostly as a military ensign or a convenient marking of American territory, flown from forts, embassies, and ships, and displayed on special occasions like American Independence day. But in the weeks after Major Anderson's surprising stand, it became something different. Suddenly the Stars and Stripes flew as it does today, and especially as it did after the September 11 attacks in 2001 from houses, from storefronts, from churches; above the village greens and college quads. For the 8

10 first time American flags were mass-produced rather than individually stitched and even so, manufacturers could not keep up with demand. As the long winter of 1861 turned into spring, that old flag meant something new. The abstraction of the Union cause was transfigured into a physical thing: strips of cloth that millions of people would fight for, and many thousands die for. Adam Goodheart, Prologue of "1861: The Civil War Awakening" (2011). "U.S. Flag" - on Mars (Curiosity Rover, September 19, 2012). The flag of the United States is one of the nation's most widely recognized symbols. Within the United States, flags are frequently displayed not only on public buildings but on private residences. The flag is a common motif on decals for car windows, and clothing ornaments such as badges and lapel pins. Throughout the world the flag has been used in public discourse to refer to the United States, not only as a nation, state, government, and set of policies, but also as a set of ideals. The flag has become a powerful symbol of Americanism, and is proudly flown on many occasions, with giant outdoor flags used by retail outlets to draw customers. Desecration of the flag is considered a public outrage, but remains protected as freedom of speech. In worldwide comparison, Testi (2010) notes that the United States is not unique in adoring its banner, for in Scandinavian countries their flags are also "beloved, domesticated, commercialized and sacralized objects". A tattered flag at Spokane Valley Police Headquarters, Spokane, Washington Proper vertical display (the blue field of stars should always be in the upper left) 9

11 Chapter 2 Holidays and Events to display the Flag 2.1 Holidays and Events to display the Flag 2.2 Places of continuous display 2.1 Particular days for display The flag should especially be displayed at full staff on the following days: January: 1st (New Year's Day); third Monday of the month (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday) and 20th (Inauguration Day, once every four years) February: 12th (Lincoln's birthday) and the third Monday (Presidents' Day, originally Washington's birthday which is the 22nd) May: Third Saturday (Armed Forces Day) and last Monday (Memorial Day; half-staff until noon) June: 14th (Flag Day) July: 4th (Independence Day) September: First Monday (Labor Day), and 17th (Constitution Day) October: Second Monday (Columbus Day) and 27th (Navy Day) November: 11th (Veterans Day) and fourth Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of states (date of admission); and on state holidays. 2.2 Places of continuous display The custom of flying the flags 24 hours a day over the east and west fronts was begun during World War 1. This was done in response to requests received from all over the country urging that the flag of the United States be flown continuously over the public buildings in Washington, DC. By Presidential, acts of Congress, and custom, U.S. flags are displayed continuously, 24 hours a day at the following places: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, Maryland (Presidential Proclamation No.2795, July 2, 1948). Flag House Square, Albemarle and Pratt Streets, Baltimore Maryland (Public Law , approved March 26, 1954). Note: Replicas of the Star Spangled Banner Flag (15 stars, 15 stripes) are flown at the two Baltimore sites above. United States Marine Corp Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington, Virginia (Presidential Proclamation No.3418, June 12, 1961). On the Green of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts (Public Law , approved November 8, 1965). Site of the first shots fired in the Revolution. The White House, Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation No.4000, September 4, 1970). Washington Monument, Washington, DC, (Presidential Proclamation No.4064, July 6, 1971, effective July 4, 1971). Fifty Flags of the United States are displayed at the Washington Monument continuously. United States Customs Ports of Entry which are continually open (Presidential Proclamation No.4131, May 5, 1972). 10

12 Grounds of the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge State Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Public Law 94-53, approved July 4, 1975). A Civil War era flag (for the year 1863) flies above Pennsylvania Hall (Old Dorm) at Gettysburg College. This building, occupied by both sides at various points of the Battle of Gettysburg, served as a lookout and battlefield hospital. By custom, at: The Maryland home, birthplace, and grave of Francis Scott Key; At the Worcester, Massachusetts, war memorial; At the plaza in Taos, New Mexico (since 1861); At the United States Capitol (since 1918); At Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, South Dakota Slover Mountain (Colton Liberty Flag), in Colton, California. July 4, 1917 to circa & 1997 to present. At the ceremonial South Pole as one of the 12 flags representing the signatory countries of the original Antarctic Treaty. On the Moon: six manned missions successfully landed at various location and each had a flag raised at the site. Only the flag placed by the Apollo 11 mission was blown over by exhaust gases when the Ascent Stage launched to return the astronauts to their Command Module for return to Earth. Historical Note: After the addition of the new House and Senate wings in the 1850s, even before the great dome was completed in 1863, photographs of the period show flags flying over each new wing and the central east and west fronts. Holidays to display your Flag The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather permits, especially on: New Year's Day Inauguration Day Martin Luther King's Birthday Lincoln's Birthday Washington's Birthday Easter Sunday Patriots Day, April 19 National Day of Prayer, the 1st Thursday of May Mother's Day Armed Forces Day Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) Flag Day (June 14th) Independence Day, July 4th Labor Day Constitution Day Columbus Day, October 12th Navy Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Election Days and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States. State and Local Holidays Your State Birthday (date of admission to the Union) Alabama (22nd state) December 14, 1819 (5th U.S. Flag Design/23-Stars) Alaska (49th state) January 3, 1959 (26th U.S. Flag Design/49-Stars) Arizona (48th state) February 14, 1912 (25th U.S. Flag Design/48-Stars) Arkansas (25th state) June 15,1836 (7th U.S. Flag Design/25-Stars) California (31st state) September 9, 1850 (13th U.S. Flag Design/31-Stars) Colorado (38th state) August 1, 1876 (20th U.S. Flag Design/38-Stars) Connecticut (5th of Original 13) January 9, 1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) Delaware (1st of Original 13) December 7,1787**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) Florida (27th state) March 3, 1845 (9th U.S. Flag Design/27-Stars) 11

13 Georgia (4th of Original 13) January 2, 1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) Hawaii (50th state) August 21, 1959 (27th U.S. Flag Design/50-Stars) Idaho (43rd state) July 3, 1890 (21st U.S. Flag Design/43-Stars) Illinois (21st state) December 3, 1818 (4th U.S. Flag Design/21-Stars) Indiana (19th state) December 11,1816 (3rd U.S. Flag Design/20-Stars) Iowa (29th state) December26, 1846 (11th U.S. Flag Design/29-Stars) Kansas (34th state) January 23, 1861 (16th U.S. Flag Design/34-Stars) Kentucky (15th state) June 1,1792(2nd U.S. Flag Design/15-Stars) Louisiana (18th state) April 30,1812 (3rd U.S. Flag Design/20-Stars) Maine (23rd state) March 15, 1820 (5th U.S. Flag Design/23-Stars) Maryland (7th of Original 13) April 28, 1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) Massachusetts (6th of Original 13) February 6,1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) Michigan (26th state) January 26, 1837 (8th U.S. Flag Design/26-Stars) Minnesota (32nd state) May 11, 1858 (14th U.S. Flag Design/32-Stars) Mississippi (20th state) December10,1817 (3rd U.S. Flag Design/20-Stars) Missouri (24th state) August 10, 1821 (6th U.S. Flag Design/24-Stars) Montana (41st state) November 3, 1889 (21st U.S. Flag Design/43-Stars) Nebraska (37th state) March 1, 1867 (19th U.S. Flag Design/37-Stars) Nevada (36th state) October 31, 1864 (18th U.S. Flag Design/36-Stars) New Hampshire (9th of Original 13) June 21,1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) New Jersey (3rd of Original 13) December 18, 1787**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) New Mexico (47th state) January 6th, 1912 (25th U.S. Flag Design/48-Stars) New York (11th of Original 13) July 25, 1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) North Carolina (12th of Original 13) November21, 1789**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) North Dakota (39th state) November 2, 1889 (21st U.S. Flag Design/43-Stars) Ohio (17th state) March 1, 1803 (3rd U.S. Flag Design/20-Stars) Oklahoma (46th state) November 16, 1907 (24th U.S. Flag Design/46-Stars) Oregon (33rd state) February 14, 1859 (15th U.S. Flag Design/33-Stars) Pennsylvania (2nd of Original 13) December 12, 1787**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) Rhode Island (13th of Original 13) May, 29,1790** (1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) South Carolina (8th of Original 13) May 23,1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) South Dakota (40th state) November 2, 1889 (21st U.S. Flag Design/43-Stars) Tennessee (16th state) June 1, 1796 (3rd U.S. Flag Design/20-Stars) Texas (28th state) December29, 1845 (10th U.S. Flag Design/28-Stars) Utah (45th state) January 4, 1896 (23rd U.S. Flag Design/45-Stars) Vermont (14th state) March 4, 1791 (2nd U.S. Flag Design/15-Stars) Virginia (10th of Original 13) June 25, 1788**(1st U.S. Flag Design/13-Stars) Washington (42nd state) November 11, 1889 (21st U.S. Flag Design/43-Stars) West Virginia (35th state) June 20, 1863 (17th U.S. Flag Design/35-Stars) Wisconsin (30th state) May 29, 1848 (12th U.S. Flag Design/30-Stars) Wyoming (44th state) July 10, 1890 (22nd U.S. Flag Design/44-Stars) ** Denotes the date the first 13 colonies ratified the Constitution of the United States The Order of Precedence for state flag is the same order as when admitted into the union. Delaware (1) to Hawaii (50) 12

14 Chapter 3 Displaying the Flag Indoors 3.1 Displaying the Flag Indoors 3.2 Decoration 3.3 Inappropriate display Note: Refer to Chapter 5 for Color Guard Procedures: 3.1 Displaying the Flag Indoors When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display. When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag. When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left. 3.2 Decoration Traditionally, the flag may be decorated with golden fringe surrounding the perimeter of the flag as long as it does not deface the flag proper. Ceremonial displays of the flag, such as those in parades or on indoor posts, often use fringe to enhance the beauty of the flag. The first recorded use of fringe on a flag dates from 1835, and the Army used it officially in No specific law governs the legality of fringe, but a 1925 opinion of the attorney general addresses the use of fringe (and the number of stars) "... is at the discretion of the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy..." as quoted from footnote in previous volumes of Title 4 of the United States Code law books and is a source for claims that such a flag is a military ensign not civilian. However, according to the Army Institute of Heraldry, which has official custody of the flag designs and makes any change ordered, there are no implications of symbolism in the use of fringe. Several federal courts have upheld this conclusion. Traditionally, the Army and Air Force use a fringed National Color for parade, color guard and indoor display, while the Sea Services (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) use a fringeless National Color for all uses. What does the gold tassel cord on the American Flag mean? The gold tassel represents that the Flag has been honored with victory in battle or the flag has seen heroics in battle. Use of Flag Tassels A flag is used as a way of identifying a person with a nation, cause or organization. As such, a flag is something that people should treat with honor and respect, especially when they decide to decorate and/or display that flag. Tassels, usually in gold, are one common accessory for flags. They should be used with caution, however, and before they're applied a person should ask whether or not they're really necessary. 13

15 Manual Before adding flag tassels as a display, it's always a good idea to check a manual to make sure that you aren't violating a code of conduct. This is especially important with government flags, such as those of a country or state. Often there are a large number of rules about how these flags must be displayed, folded and bunted when they will be seen by the public. Often there are restrictions on what types of tassels may be used, where these tassels can be placed on the flag, the length of the tassels and their color. Display Flag tassels are not meant to be used on a flag that will travel or be out in the elements. Flag tassels should be used on a flag that will be displayed inside, such as one that's on a flagpole that stands on a base or one that hangs from a wall. Flags decorated with tassels are ornate and are usually used for occasions such as display during meetings or for rituals. This may be especially appropriate for schools that have students say the Pledge of Allegiance, or for religious organizations that have their own flag. Look As with any decoration, if you're going to use flag tassels, ask yourself if you should. Sometimes things should be left simple, and flags are no exception. Flags with tassels can come across as overdone and tacky, and it may be a much better idea simply to leave the tassels off in most occasions. What does the gold fringe on the American flag mean? It is an honorable enrichment only, not an integral part of the flag. As it is attached on the edge, it does not "deface" the flag which therefore remains the Stars and Stripes of the US (as per the opinion of the US Attorney General in 1925). The fringe is used only inside or on a staff when carried outside by a bearer, it is never flown from a staff or pole outside (the fringe would fray). As there is no wind to move a flag when inside, the gold fringe adds an element of "prettiness", nothing more. The US is indeed prone to having a fringe more than other countries but most national flags have a fringe in some circumstances and no other country attributes any meaning to the fringe except that it looks better. There are many posts that posit the theory that the fringe represents martial or admiralty law. However there is no law, decree, order or other legally enforceable proclamation that mentions the fringe, either to prescribe or proscribe its use. Many quote Executive Order (under President Eisenhower) however this is a public document available in full on the Internet (try the US Archives) and a review will show no mention of a fringe at all. US Army Orders (840-10) do make the use of the fringe obligatory inside, but these apply to the US Army only. The law that defines the flag and its use is USC Title 4 Chapter 1 - again a public document whose provisions are enforceable in a federal court. There is nothing that says that a civilian or civilian organization may not fly a flag with a gold fringe. Strangely, although admiralty law applies to ships, the fringe is never flown on a ship, surely an inconsistency. 3.3 Inappropriate display 14

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17 Chapter 4 Displaying the Flag Outdoors 4.1 Displaying the Flag Outdoors 4.2 Flag in Mourning (Half-staff/Half-masting the U.S. Flag) 4.3 Placing Flags on Veteran s Graves 4.4 Display on vehicles 4.5 Display on uniforms Note: Refer to Chapter 5 for Color Guard Procedures: Raising and lower the Flag or Folding for Storage Procedures 4.1 Displaying the Flag Outdoors When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at halfstaff. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea. When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building. When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right. The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger. No other flag ever should be placed above it. The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation. 4.2 Flag in Mourning (Half-staff/Half-masting the U.S. Flag) Flying the flag at half-staff is an area of flag etiquette that most people want to make sure they get right. It is also an area for which the road to error is routinely paved with good intentions. With that in mind, we offer this refresher course as the all-important intersection where knowledge meets benevolence. Flying the Flag at Half-Staff: The pertinent section of the Flag Code says, "by order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. 16

18 In the event of the death a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that state, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff." The code also includes other related details including the specific length of time during which the flag should be displayed at half-staff, in the event of the death of a "principal figure"(e.g., 30 days for the death of a sitting or former President, 10 days for the death of a sitting Vice-President, etc.). Good-Faith Misunderstandings: Although the code is actually pretty clear, confusion continues to occur. For example, U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno recently ordered the American Flag flown at half-staff on all U.S. Department of Justice buildings, in honor of several DEA agents who had died. While NFF understands this gesture, the Flag Code does not give Attorney General Reno the authority to issue that order. Closer to NFF's Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home, Mayor Tom Murphy ordered all flags flown at half-staff to honor the victims of a plane crash. Here again, a well-intentioned gesture, but one for which no authority exists. NFF points out these "good-faith misunderstandings" not to criticize or embarrass anyone, but rather to head off a growing trivialization of this memorial salute, and to preserve the dignity and significance of flying the U.S. flag at halfstaff. To any readers who may think that NFF is insensitive for raising these breaches of etiquette, please be assured that our motives are pure. We grieve these human loses deeply; however, we believe proper respect for our flag must be maintained - no matter the circumstances. We owe that respect to our living, our dead and our flag. 4.3 Placing Flags on Veteran s Graves Displaying a flag on the grave of a fallen soldier or veteran is a traditional Memorial Day activity. Traditionally, the flags are placed on the graves on Thursday or Friday before Memorial Day. Memorial Day, held on the last Monday in May every year, is celebrated with ceremonies and prayers at the grave sites of the soldiers. A few days after the ceremonies, the cemetery personnel will collect the flags from the graves. Typically, a placed flag is left for a week before removal. Things You'll Need Small flags Grave site Instructions 1 Review the U.S. Flag Code, which states how to treat the American flag or anything that symbolizes the flag. The code states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it, especially the ground. The code also highlights methods of flag retirement and instructions for displaying more than one flag. (See Resources.) 2 Buy flags on small stands. The stands will be approximately 10 inches long and will be able to hold the flag upright when pushed into the ground. Buy as many flags as necessary to cover all the graves you wish to decorate. 3 Remove old flags, if necessary, from the grave site. If the flag is in good condition, it will be stored in a neatly folded fashion in accordance with the flag code. If it is in poor condition, it needs to be respectfully retired. Retiring the flag involves burning it, so contact a local veterans' group or your local Elks Lodge to request assistance in flag retirement. 17

19 4 Push the end of the American flag into the ground at the grave site. The placement of the flag is to the right of the front of the headstone. The flag is placed at the right side because any other flags or decorations need to be placed after the American flag. 5 Check the tip of the flag to make sure it is not touching the ground or any decorations or plants nearby. If the tip does touch the ground, fix the situation quickly and readjust the flag stick. Other flags need to be at the same height as the American display, so make sure it is not lower than others, such as a POW/MIA flag. 6 Check the flag to make sure it is flowing freely to be in accordance with the Flag Code. The code insists that the flag remain free flowing and unrestrained. Do not tie the corners of the flag for display. Tips & Warnings If a flag touches the ground, it does not need to be retired, according to the Flag Code. It can be washed by hand with mild soap and water if it becomes soiled from touching the ground, and when it does touch the ground, fixing the situation immediately is sufficient. 4.4 Display on vehicles When the flag is affixed to the side of a vehicle of any kind (e.g.: cars, boats, planes, anything that moves), it should be oriented so that the canton is towards the front of the vehicle, as if the flag were streaming backwards from its hoist as the vehicle moves forward. Therefore, U.S. flag decals on the right sides of vehicles may appear to be "reversed", with the union to the observer's right instead of left as more commonly seen. The flag has been displayed on every US spacecraft designed for manned flight, including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo Command/Service Module, Apollo Lunar Module, and the Space Shuttle. The flag also appeared on the S-IC first stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle used for Apollo. But since Mercury, Gemini and Apollo were launched and landed vertically and were not capable of horizontal atmospheric flight like an airplane, the "streaming" convention was not followed and these flags were oriented with the stripes running horizontally, perpendicular to the direction of flight. 4.5 Display on uniforms The crew of Apollo 1 wore their flags on the right shoulder, unlike all other US astronaut flight crews 18 Flag of the United States on American astronaut and Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong's space suit

20 On some U.S. military uniforms, flag patches are worn on the right shoulder, following the vehicle convention with the union toward the front. This rule dates back to the Army's early history, when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the Colors into battle. As he charged, his forward motion caused the flag to stream back. Since the Stars and Stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left. Several US military uniforms, such as flight suits worn by members of the United States Navy, have the flag patch on the left shoulder. Other organizations that wear flag patches on their uniforms can have the flag facing in either direction. The uniform of the Boy Scouts of America, for example, has the stripes facing front, the reverse of the military style. Law enforcement officers often wear a small flag patch, either on a shoulder, or above a shirt pocket. Every US astronaut since the crew of Gemini 4 has worn the flag on the left shoulder of his or her space suit, with the exception of the crew of Apollo 1, whose flags were worn on the right shoulder. In this case, the canton was on the left. 19

21 Chapter 5 Color Guard Procedures 5.1 Honor Guard Duties 5.2 Raising and Lowering the Flag 5.3 How to fold our Nation's Flag 5.4 How to Do an American Flag Raising Ceremony 5.5 Reveille and Retreat 5.6 The Flag in Mourning 5.7 Posting and Retiring the Colors 5.1 Honor Guard Duties An honor guard unit performs ceremonial duties at funerals, special events and at national monuments. Honor guard units exist in active branches of the military, as well as veteran's groups, such as the American Legion, law enforcement, firefighters and the Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations. Honor guard members carry the American flag, along with special ceremonial flags representing a particular group and geographic area. Regulations and Guidelines Honor guard members must adhere to a stringent set of guidelines, which include physical ability. Unit members can be male or female. A neat appearance, which includes short hair and a clean-shaven face, are standard requirements for honor guard members. Females are typically permitted to secure hair with a rubber band and tuck it firmly under the helmet. Good moral character and exemplary conduct of honor guard members is required both in and out of uniform. Honor guard members are typically of similar weight and height to create a seamless and uniform unit appearance. Guard Types Honor guard teams commonly consist of three distinct units: a color guard, parade unit and drill team. Training classes to become a unit member, as well as refresher courses, are required to remain on a ceremonial honor guard team. Classes traditionally encompass instruction in parade etiquette, advanced marching, protocol, rifle maneuvers, mock funeral processions and presentation of flags. 20

22 Guard Movements Ceremonial guards must learn standard movements before permission is granted to participate in unit events. Commands, which must be mastered, include standing at proper attention, parade rest, fall out, at ease, formation of flight, present arms, open ranks, presentation of colors (flags) and retiring colors. Funeral Processions Funeral processions are one of the primary duties of a ceremonial honor guard unit. Escorting a fallen hero to a final resting place is considered one of the highest forms of respect offered by an honor guard unit. By law, a military funeral with honors is offered for any veteran when requested by family members. After escorting the body to the graveside, the honor guard folds and presents an American flag to the designated next of kin. The ceremony proceeds to the 21- gun salute and playing of Taps. Honor guard members serve as pallbearers at the request of the family. Parade and Drill Units Parade units perform at special events, such as parades and opening ceremonies. The carrying of the American and additional representational flags is the main focus on parade teams. This type of team also routinely performs at Veteran's and Memorial Day ceremonies. A presentation of wreaths and a 21-gun salute are also aspects of honor guard duties performed at special events. Drill unit members practice intricate maneuvers with either rifles or swords. The stiff and precision movements are enhanced by sharp clicking sounds of the weapons and shoe heels. 5.2 Raising and Lowering the Flag The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest. 5.3 How to fold our Nation's Flag Proper Folding of the American Flag 21

23 Your nation's flag has been waving over military installations, federal office buildings and outside of Americans' homes for more than 200 years. As scouts, we should take great care with the stars and stripes for it is rich in history and a symbol of pride for our country. One such way to honor the flag is to know how to properly fold it. Hold the flag waist high. Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. The folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. The outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. When the flag is completely folded, only the blue field should be visible and it should be folded in the triangular shape of a cocked hat. Flag Folding As an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night. This custom of special folding is reserved for the United States Flag alone. Step 1 To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground. Step 2 Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely. Step 3 22

24 Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside. Step 4 Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag. Step 5 Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. Step 6 The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. Step 7 When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible. 5.4 How to Do an American Flag Raising Ceremony The National Flag Conference first introduced the National Flag Code in Congress followed in 1942 and passed a resolution enacting the Flag Code. The code dictates how to display the flag and the ceremonious way in which the flag should be raised. The National Anthem and the Pledging of Allegiance are part of the protocol. Individual states and the federal government for the District of Columbia decide the penalties for misuse of the Unites States flag. Instructions Choose the flag and pole size. The Flag Code gives recommendations for the flagpole height for different sized flags. Usually the best-sized flag for outdoor home use is a 3-by-5 foot flag. For this size, you should use a 15 foot pole. Carry the flag respectfully and make sure the flag does not touch the ground or floor. The flag should be neatly folded and have the union stars displayed on top. If the flag is marched past you, you should turn to face it and salute it until it has passed. Raise the flag briskly. Everyone except people in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention. 23

25 Salute the flag appropriately. Everyone should hold their right hand over their heart. Men should remove their hats with right hand and hold it close to their left shoulder leaving the right hand over their heart. People in uniform should perform a proper hand salute. Foreigners should stand at attention. U.S. citizens should hold the salute from the first note to the last note of the National Anthem. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance while holding your salute. People in uniform should remain silent facing the flag. Make sure that the U.S. flag is the topmost flag if there are several flags on the same pole. Also make sure that the other flags are smaller than the U.S. flag. Tips & Warnings All the military branches have their own flag codes and etiquette. Display the American flag from sunrise to sunset. If you are displaying it during the night, you need to illuminate it. If it starts to rain or snow, leave the flag flying if it's an all-weather flag. You should always raise the U.S. flag first and lower it last, if dealing with several flags. 5.5 Reveille and Retreat Reveille is the signal for the start of the official duty day in the military. Because the time for the start of the duty day varies between bases, the commander designates the specified time for reveille. If the commander desires, a reveille ceremony may accompany the raising of the flag. This ceremony takes place in the vicinity of the base flagstaff and is held after sunrise. In the unit area (campsite), reveille is normally held, using the formation of patrol in line. This formation is used when a reveille ceremony is not held at the base flagstaff. Raising the Flag When practical, a detail consisting of a Youth Leader and two junior scouts hoists the flag. The detail is formed in line with the YOUTH LEADER carrying the flag in the center. The detail is then marched to the flagstaff and halted, and the flag is attached to the halyards. The flag is always raised and lowered from the leeward side of the flagstaff. The two junior enlisted attend the halyards, taking a position facing the staff to hoist the flag without entangling the halyards. The YOUTH LEADER continues to hold the flag until it is hoisted clear of the grasp, taking particular care that no portion of the flag touches the ground. On the first note of the national anthem or To the Colors, the flag detail begins to raise the flag briskly. The YOUTH LEADER of the detail holds the flag to keep it from touching the ground. When the flag is clear of the grasp, the YOUTH LEADER comes to attention and executes Hand Salute. On the last note of the music or after the flag has been hoisted to the staff head, all members of the detail execute order arms on command of the senior member. The halyards are then secured to the cleat of the staff or, if appropriate, the flag is lowered to half-staff and the halyard secured. The detail is formed again and marched to the dismissal area. Retreat Ceremony (Lowering) The retreat ceremony serves a twofold purpose. It signals the end of the official day and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag. Because the time for the end of the day and or sunset varies, the Camp Director designates the specific time for the retreat ceremony. (Normally before evening meal.) The retreat ceremony may take place at the unit area (campsite), or in the vicinity of the camp flagstaff. If conducted within the unit area. If the retreat ceremony is conducted at the flagstaff, the units participating may be formed in line or they may be massed, depending upon the size and number of units and the space available. 24

26 When persons not assigned to a formation are outdoors and in uniform, on the first note of retreat, they should face the flag (if visible) or music and assume the position of attention. The bugler plays the national anthem or the bugler plays To the Colors. The junior members of the flag security detail lower the flag slowly and with dignity. If the flag is being flown at half-staff, it is raised briskly to the top, then lowered slowly. The camp director executes order arms when the last note of the music is played and the flag has been securely grasped. The commander faces about, gives the troops Order, ARMS, and then faces to the front. The flag security detail folds the flag. The YOUTH LEADER of the detail remains at attention while the flag is being folded unless he or she is needed to control the flag. When the flag is folded, the flag detail, with the YOUTH LEADER on the right and the flagbearer in the center, marches to a position three paces from the camp director. The YOUTH LEADER salutes and reports "Sir (Ma am), the flag is secured." The commander returns the salute, and the flag detail marches away. The troops are then marched to their areas and dismissed. Lowering the Flag When practical, the persons lowering the flag should be a YOUTH LEADER and three junior members for the allpurpose flag and a YOUTH LEADER and five junior members for the base flag. The detail is formed and marched to the flagstaff, and the halyards are detached and attended from the leeward side. On the first note of the national anthem or, if no band is present, To the Colors, the members of the detail not lowering the flag execute present arms. The lowering of the flag is coordinated with the playing of the music so the two are completed at the same time. The senior member commands the detail Order, ARMS when the flag is low enough to be received. If at half-staff, the flag is hoisted briskly to the staff head while retreat is sounded, and then it is lowered on the first note of the national anthem or To the Colors. The flag is detached from the halyards and folded. The halyards are secured to the staff. Flag Ceremonies: Honoring the American Flag A flag ceremony honors the American flag as the symbol of our country and all the hopes, dreams, and people it consists of. If your group includes scouts from other countries, scouts can honor their flags, too, and conduct an international flag ceremony. Flag ceremonies may be used for: Opening or closing meetings Opening or closing special events Beginning or closing a day Honoring a special occasion or special person Retiring a worn flag Flag ceremonies may take place in meeting rooms, outdoor settings, large auditoriums, on stage, even on horseback. All flag ceremonies share one thing respect for the flag. Flag Ceremony Guidelines Keep it simple. Emphasis needs to be on respect for the flag rather than on the commands or techniques. Adults can ask scouts these questions when planning: Who will carry the flag? Who will be the color guards? Who will give the directions for the ceremony? What song will be sung? Who will sound the pitch and start the song? Will a poem or quotation be included? Who will say or read it? After the Pledge of Allegiance, will the Scout Promise and the Law be said? 25

27 In what order will the parts of the ceremony take place? When will the group practice? Where will the flags be placed at the end of the ceremony? Terms Used in a Flag Ceremony The color bearer (or flag bearer) is the person who carries the flag. There is one color bearer for each flag used in the ceremony. The color guard is a team that guards the flags. Any even number of guards may be used, but usually four or six scouts are sufficient. The Scout in charge (or caller) is a designated Scout who announces or calls each part of the ceremony. Possible Commands for a Flag Ceremony "Scouts, attention." Used to announce that the flag ceremony is to begin. "Color guard, advance." This signals the color guard to advance with the flags, or advance to pick up the flags. "Color guard, post the colors." This directs the color guard to place the flag in flag standards, or to attach the grommets to a flag pole rope. "Color guard, honor your flag." The color guard salutes the American flag. "Please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance." (Followed by an appropriate song, quotation or poem, if so desired.) OR "Color guard, honor your flag." The color guard salutes the American flag. "Color guard, retire the colors." This asks the color guard to remove the flag from standards, or to lower the flag, detach from the rope, and fold prior to being dismissed. "Color guard, dismissed." The color guard leaves in formation, with or without the flag. "Scouts, dismissed." Scouts may leave in formation or be at ease where they have been standing. Handling the American Flag Display of the American flag is governed by law to ensure that it will be treated with the respect due the flag of a great nation. This is known as the United States Flag Code. Some of the rules most useful for Scouts are: The American flag must be placed in the center, and higher, when displayed with a group of state, local, or organizational flags flown from staffs. It may also be positioned to the right of other flags. (If scouts were to hold the flag while facing their audience, their right side would be the flag's own right.) When displayed from a staff in a house of worship or public auditorium, the flag of the United States must hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergy's or speaker's right as he or she faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergy or speaker or to the right of the audience. The flag is to be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly with dignity. The flag should never be allowed to touch anything beneath it, nor should it ever be carried flat or horizontally always aloft and free. Never use the flag as a cover or place anything on top of it. No disrespect of any kind should be shown to the flag of the United States. It should be kept clean. The flag, when carried in a procession with other flags, should be either on the marching right or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. When you display the flag on a wall or in a window where people see it from the street, it should be displayed flat with the blue part at the top and on the flag's own right (which is the observer's left). When displayed after dark, the flag should be illuminated. 26

28 5.6 The Flag in Mourning To place the flag at half-staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. The flag is to be flown at half-staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order. When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave. Display at half-staff The flag is displayed at half-staff (half-mast in naval usage) as a sign of respect or mourning. Nationwide, this action is proclaimed by the president; state-wide or territory-wide, the proclamation is made by the governor. In addition, there is no prohibition against municipal governments, private businesses or citizens flying the flag at half-staff as a local sign of respect and mourning. However, many flag enthusiasts feel this type of practice has somewhat diminished the meaning of the original intent of lowering the flag to honor those who held high positions in federal or state offices. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first proclamation on March 1, 1954, standardizing the dates and time periods for flying the flag at half-staff from all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels; other congressional resolutions and presidential proclamations ensued. However, they are only guidelines to all other entities: typically followed at state and local government facilities, and encouraged of private businesses and citizens. To properly fly the flag at half-staff, one should first briefly hoist it top of the staff, then lower it to the half-staff position, halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Similarly, when the flag is to be lowered from half-staff, it should be first briefly hoisted to the top of the staff. Only state governors can decide to lower the flag to half-staff, according to US Code. Federal guidelines state the flag should be flown at half-staff at the following dates/times: May 15: Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless it is the third Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day, full-staff all day. Last Monday in May: Memorial Day (until noon) July 27: Korean War Veterans Day (expired 2003 reinstated 2009) September 11: Patriot Day First Sunday in October: Start of Fire Prevention Week. December 7: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day For 30 days: Death of a president or former president For 10 days: Death of a vice president, Supreme Court chief justice/retired chief justice, or speaker of the House of Representatives. From death until the day of interment: Supreme Court associate justice, member of the Cabinet, former vice president, president pro-tempore of the Senate, or the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives. Also for federal facilities within a state or territory, for the governor. On the day after the death: Senators, members of Congress, territorial delegates or the resident commissioner of the commonwealth of Puerto Rico Further, the flag is always flown at half-staff at four locations in the United States. These locations are The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery; Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery; the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and Mackinac Island, Michigan (Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery). 27

29 Use in funerals A flag prepared for presentation to the next of kin Traditionally, the flag of the United States plays a role in military funerals, and occasionally in funerals of other civil servants (such as law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and U.S. presidents). A burial flag is draped over the deceased's casket as a pall during services. Just prior to the casket being lowered into the ground, the flag is ceremonially folded and presented to the deceased's next of kin as a token of respect. Protocol for the Presentation of Colors The presentation of colors is a ceremony presenting or retiring a flag. The "colors" refer to a flag. A color guard, consisting of two honor guards and two flag bearers, presents or retires the colors. A Sergeant-at-Arms dictates the orders during the ceremony. Proper respect should be given to the colors at all times during the ceremony. Unit Leaders's Roles The presiding officer or designated appointee of an organization announces that the colors will be presented. Guests rise and the officer asks that the colors to be presented. The Sergeant gives the orders to the honor guard and flag bearers. He calls the group to attention before marching to the front of the room to face the appointed officer. The officer will signal that the colors should be presented, and the Sergeant gives the order. Presenting the Colors on a Stage The flag bearers carry the flags in a holster and march forward in step with the other bearers. The bearers stop marching at a designated spot and wait for a "halt" command from the Sergeant. The flag bearers proceed to the center of the stage where the flags will be placed. The honor guard remains behind the flag bearers. The flag bearer takes two steps forward and waits for the next flag bearer to step forward. The bearer faces left while the other bearer faces right. The flag bearers place the flags in stands and take a step backwards. The flags are placed on a stage to the right of a speaker, preferably at the same height as the speaker. Presenting the Colors on the Floor When a stage is not available, the flags must be placed in flag holders on the floor. The flags must be placed to the left of the speaker. The honor guard remains at attention while the flag bearers to march in a line toward the flag holders. One bearer then faces right while the other bearer faces left. The flag bearers place the flags in the stands and take a step backwards. The End of Presentation When the colors have been presented, the group faces the flags and stands at attention. Honor is given to the flag, whether it is a salute, standing at attention or removal of hats and placing hands over hearts. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited and the color guard retreats upon orders from the Sergeant. Random FAQs 28

30 What is the primary value of ceremonies? To render honors, preserve tradition, and to stimulate Esprit de Corps What is a rank? A line, which is only one element in depth What foot is your leading foot? Your left foot While passing the colors or while the colors are passing you, when is the hand salute rendered? Six paces before and six paces after (Approx. 25 feet) What are the 4 rest positions that can be given at the halt? Parade rest Stand at ease At ease Rest How far in front of the unit does the colors halt? Ten steps From what position are all stationary movements given? Position of attention On what foot would you give the command "Mark time - March"? On either foot What is cover? Aligning yourself directly behind the man to your immediate front, while maintaining correct distance How do you measure a "step"? Heel to heel What is the interval between the preparatory command and the command of execution? 1 step or 1 count What are the two parts of most drill command? Preparatory command Command of execution What position is the unit guidon once a preparatory command is given? The raised vertical position What is Normal Interval? The lateral space between soldiers, measured from right to left by the soldier on the right holding his left arm shoulder high, fingers and thumb extended and joined, with the tip of his middle finger touching the right shoulder of the soldier to his left. What is Close Interval? The lateral space between soldiers, measured from right to left by the soldier on the right placing the heel of his left hand on his hip, even with the top of the belt line, fingers and thumb joined and extended downward, with his elbow in line with the body and touching the arm of the soldier to his left. 29

31 What is Double Interval? The lateral space between soldiers, measured from right to left by raising both arms shoulder high with the fingers extended and joined (palms down) so that fingertips are touching the fingertips of the soldiers to the right and to the left. What command is given to revoke a preparatory command? As You Were 5.7 Posting and Retiring the Colors Formal assemblies conducted indoors begin with the presentation of the Colors, referred to as Posting the Colors, and end with the Retirement of the Colors. The following instructions outline the procedures for posting and retiring the Colors, with a head table and without head table. Since indoor areas vary in size, configuration, and intended purpose, these instructions do not apply to all situations. Therefore, persons planning an indoor ceremony can modify these instructions based on their specific floor plan. Posting the Colors The Color guard forms outside the entrance to the dining area, auditorium, or meeting hall. The audience is directed to stand until the Colors are posted. If the playing of the National Anthem (or other appropriate music) and the invocation are scheduled, the audience will remain standing until they are completed. When the arrangements include a head table, the Color guard enters in a line formation, preferably, or forms in a line immediately inside the room and moves to a position centered on and facing the head table. The procedures are as follows: When the Colors arrive at the pre-designated position, the Color Guard Leader commands Colors, HALT, and Present, ARMS; and reports the colors are present. The host acknowledges the report and directs, POST THE COLORS. The area should be arranged to allow adequate space for the Color guard to move between the head table and the flag stand. The Color Guard Leader then commands Order, ARMS; Right, FACE; and Forward, MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH, the Color guard marches to the rear of the head table. Once the Color guard is centered on the flag stand, they mark time and the Color Guard Leader commands Colors, HALT and Right, FACE. The Color guard should approach the flag stands from the right to position the National Color bearer in front of the flag holder on the right, facing the audience. 30

32 The Color bearers, without command, place the colors in the stand. When the Colors are in the stand, the Color Guard Leader commands Present, ARMS and Order, ARMS. The guards return to right shoulder arms; the Color Guard Leader commands Left, FACE and Forward, MARCH; and the Color guard exits the area. When a head table is not used, the Color guard enters and moves to a pre-designated position centered on and facing the audience. This may require the Color guard to move in a column and use facing movements. The movement must be planned so that the National Color is always on the right when in line and is leading when in column. The procedures are as follows: When the Colors arrive at the pre-designated position, the Color Guard Leader commands Colors, HALT; LEFT (right), FACE; and Present, ARMS. If music or the Pledge of Allegiance is scheduled, it occurs at this time. The Color Guard Leader then commands Order, ARMS. The Color Guard Leader commands Right (Left), FACE and Forward, MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH, the Color guard marches to the flag stand where the actions of the Color guard are the same as described above. Retiring the Colors The audience is directed to stand for the retiring of the Colors. When a head table is used, the Color Guard Leader moves the Color guard to the head table. The Color Guard Leader commands Color guard, HALT; Present, ARMS, and reports to the host, "Sir, Request permission to retire the colors." The host acknowledges the report and directs RETIRE THE COLORS. The Color Guard Leader commands Order, ARMS; Right, FACE; Forward, MARCH; and moves the Color guard until they are centered on the flag stand where they mark time. The Color Guard Leader commands Color guard, HALT; Right, FACE; Present, ARMS; and Order, ARMS. Upon completion of Order arms the color bearers, without command, retrieve the colors and assume the carry position. The Color Guard Leader commands Left, FACE and Forward, MARCH. The Color guard exits the area. When the head table is not used, the Color guard moves directly to the flag stands where the Colors are retrieved, and the Color guard exits as described above. NOTE: The above procedures will vary when the command sergeant major is in charge of the Colors during a formal dining-in. Colors Reverse Directions Movement of Three-Man Color Guard to the Rear To face a three-man Color guard to the rear, the command is Colors reverse, MARCH, and each man simultaneously executes the following movements: Number 1 faces left while marking time, takes two steps forward, and faces to the left while marking time. Number 2 takes one full step forward, executes about face while marking time, and takes one full step in the new direction, marking time. Number 3 takes one full step and two half steps forward, faces to the right while marking time, takes two full steps, faces to the right in marching, taking two full steps, and marks time. When all are abreast of each other, they step off together or halt, as commanded. 31

33 Movement of Four-Man Color Guard to the Rear To face a four-man Color guard to the rear, the command is Colors reverse, MARCH. At the command MARCH, each man simultaneously executes the following movements: Number 1 takes two steps forward, faces to the left in marching, takes one full step and three half steps, faces to the left in marching, and takes two steps in the new direction. Number 2 faces to the left in marching and faces to the left while marking time. Number 3 takes one step forward, faces to the right in marching, takes two half steps, faces to the right in marching, and takes one step in the new direction. Number 4 takes one step forward, faces to the right in marching, takes one full step and three half steps, faces to the right in marching, and takes one step forward in the new direction. Numbers 2, 3, and 4 mark time after completing their movements until all men are abreast, then step off together or halt, as the situation dictates. NOTE: Left about may be used in lieu of colors reverse. The command for this movement is Left about, MARCH. The Color Guard Leader is the pivot man for the movement. On the command of execution, the Color Guard Leader 32

34 marches in place and turns to the left. Other members shorten their step and turn in an arc keeping abreast of each other and maintaining alignment. When the movement has been completed, each man marches in place until the command HALT or Forward, MARCH is given. This movement may be executed from the HALT or while marching. Position of the Colors at the Order It should be noted that Boy Scouts never have an armed color guard. Only actual military or ROTC units carry drill rifles as part of the armed color guard detail. At the order, the ferrule of the staff is rested on the marching surface and touching the outside of the right footgear opposite the ball of the right foot. Hold the staff in the right hand with the back of the hand facing outward and the fingers wrapped around the staff. Rest the staff against the hollow of the shoulder. Position of the Colors at the Carry At the carry, the ferrule of the staff is rested in the socket of the sling. The socket is below the waist and adjusted to ensure that the finials of all Colors are of equal height. The staff is grasped with the right hand (even with the mouth) and inclined slightly to the front with the left hand securing the ferrule in the socket. The left hand may be positioned immediately below the right hand to more firmly secure the Colors on windy days. 33

35 Position of the Colors at Parade Rest Parade rest with the Colors is executed with staffs vertical. The order and parade rest are executed with the Color company except during ceremonies when the Colors remain at the carry position. Position of the Organizational Color at Color Salute This position is assumed from the carry by slipping the right hand upward about 4 inches and then thrusting the arm forward shoulder high and horizontal to the marching surface forming an approximate 45-degree angle. When the Colors salute with troops who execute present arms from the order, the Color bearers assume the position of carry at the command ARMS and then execute the Color salute. When casing or uncasing Colors indoors (at the order), the organizational Color bearer salutes (dips) by slipping his right hand upward and grasping the staff firmly, with the forearm horizontal and the staff thrust forward until the arm is fully extended. 34

36 How not to stand around while on a Color Team This is an Honor Guard ready to present the colors at an event. They are standing and waiting for their time to line up and get ready to go. Nothing wrong with that, except that the colors are out of order which is completely unacceptable. When the colors are uncased, they need to be in the proper order- always. No ands, ifs or buts. When in the public eye you are being observed - Again, this picture is posted for education and training purposes. 35

37 Chapter 6 Flag Retirement Procedures and Ceremonies 6.1 Retiring a Worn American Flag 6.2 Retiring POW/MIA, State and Armed Forces Flags 6.3 Recycling our American Flag 6.1 Retiring a Worn American Flag When a U.S. flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Retiring an American flag is a special ceremony that ends with burning the flag and disposing of the ashes in a respectful manner. Most American Legion Posts, VFW Chapters and Boy Scout Troops regularly conduct dignified flag burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Contact your local American Legion Hall, VFW Chapter or Boy Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service. NEVER THROW A FLAG IN THE GARBAGE! The American flag is one of the most revered symbols of the United States. So important is Old Glory that Title 4, Chapter 1 of the United States Code details many rules regarding the flag, including how and when it should be flown. The law regarding the proper way to dispose of the flag is found in Title 4, Chapter 1, section 8, subsection (k), which states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Old Glory Things You'll Need United States flag Fire pit or burning barrel Fuel for the fire, such as lighter fluid and wood Instructions Acquire necessary permits for burning. Call your local municipal government or police station to see if it is necessary for you to obtain a permit to burn outdoors on an open flame. 4 Carefully light the fire in a safe place outdoors. 5 Fold the flag. Holding the flag with another person so that the stripes of the flag are running from you to the other person, fold the flag in half at about the seventh stripe, so that the stars are on top. Fold the flag again in the same fashion at the fourth stripe. Now, starting at the end of the flag with stripes, begin folding the flag in triangles until only the stars remain and the shape resembles a square with a ninety-degree triangle on its end. Tuck one end of the square into the flag's fold so that it creates an isosceles triangle. 6 Rest the flag in the fire. 7 Observe a memorial of the flag. The statute directing the destruction of a United States flag does not dictate how to observe a memorial; you can do anything that you deem necessary and tasteful. 8 Allow the flag to burn completely, then put the fire out. Once the fire is out, dispose of the ashes. 36

38 Retiring of an American Flag The flag of the United States of America is an honored symbol of our nation's unity: its hopes, its achievements, its glory and its high resolve. When the flag is in such condition, through wear or damage, that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it shall be destroyed in a dignified manner befitting such a symbol. The traditional way is to cut the flag into pieces and burn it in a modest but blazing fire. As we perform this respected duty, let us reflect on the design and meaning of our flag. The Blue field or union is the point of honor, the upper corner of the Flag's own right. The symbolism of the right hand goes far back in antiquity when it was the weapon hand. Raising the right arm free of any weapon meant peace. It became a salute, a way of giving praise and honor. The union is blue, representing the night sky with stars forming a new and glorious constellation. There is one star for each state in our union. It is said the point of honor of our flag was made from the blue clock belonging to a captain in the Continental Army. U.S. Navy Rattlesnake Flag The Striped banner of the Sons of Liberty The stripes are symbolic of beams of morning light, rays emanating from the sun. Thirteen red and white stripes, one for each of the original thirteen colonies. The stripes in our flag were inspired by the rattlesnake flag flown on the ships of the Continental Fleet and the striped banner of the Sons of Liberty. Though the pattern has changed, the bars of shining red and gleaming white have remained. The stripes are alternating, seven red and six white. The red standing for courage and the blood of those brave men and women who fought and died to establish and preserve our republic; the white representing the purity and high moral resolve on which our country was founded. The blue of a captain's cloak, the white of a soldier's shirt, the red from a flannel petticoat of a patriot's wife. This was our flag. This is the flag that stands for honor -- yours and mine. As the fire consumes the worn and tattered material in its purifying flame, let us remember the words of George Washington when the Star-Spangled Banner was first flown by the Continental Army: "We take the stars from heaven and the red from our mother country. We separate the red by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty." Thus the Stars and Stripes became what it is; born amid the strife of battle, it has become the standard around which a free people have fought to preserve the greatest nation in the world. Retiring Old Glory When the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be "retired" with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation's flag. The traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag, but this does not mean that one should simply drop the entire flag (intact) into a fire. 37

39 A flag ceases to be a flag when it is cut into pieces. In addition, it is easier to completely incinerate the flag, if it is cut into smaller pieces. A flag should never be torn up like an old bed sheet. It should be cut up with scissors or shears in a methodical manner. The corners of the flag should be stretched out over a table top and someone should cut the flag in half, vertically (be careful not to cut up the blue star field (see the figure). Then, place the two halves together and cut them in half, horizontally. You will end up with four pieces of flag, one being the blue star field. NOTE: The reason we do not cut the blue star field is it represents the union of the fifty states and one should never let the union be broken. While the Scouts are performing the flag dissection, other Scouts should start and tend a medium size, wood fire (preferably in a metal drum or incinerator). Once the flag remnants and fire are ready, you perform the following ceremony. The Scouts maintain a vigil over the fire until all traces of the flag remnants are destroyed. Then, the fire is extinguished and the ashes are buried. The burial can be completed with a moment of silence while taps is played by a bugler. NOTE: Before accepting a flag for retirement, the recipient should obtain information about its history. For example: Where has it flown? How long? Any memorable events happen at that site? This information should be used in the ceremony. 6.2 Retiring POW/MIA, State and Armed Forces Flags American Flags will be disposed of first, followed by POW/MIA Flags, State Flags in the order they were admitted into the Union, and, finally, Service Flags of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard. 6.3 Recycling our American Flag Help us on our Mission to reduce Emissions! We are proud to be leading the movement to keep toxic fumes from flag burning out of our atmosphere! Following are instructions for respectfully recycling your American flag. Please remember that this is a beta test and is subject to change so please check back here for developments. 38

40 Burning nylon and other synthetics is being banned The American Legion is recognized as the authoritative source for American flag retirement. The current ceremony was established in 1937 before American flags were made with synthetic materials which look better and last significantly longer than natural fibers like cotton. Now many states are banning the burning of synthetic materials or in some cases refusing to issue open burning permits. We do understand that many people, particularly some of our esteemed veterans, prefer the burning retirement ceremony. Our only goal is to assist the American Legion in establishing an alternative environmentally friendly retirement method. Recycled in a dignified manner We have been working since 2001 to develop this recycling program. During that time we hit many dead ends and received false promises, usually from good meaning people who didn't understand the complexities of recycling synthetics. We think we have now established a successful program, but only time will tell. We are making a very strong effort to be sure these American flags are decommissioned and recycled in a dignified manner without harming the environment or endangering the safety of patriotic Americans. We believe we have established a program to meet those goals. Costs: We were hoping the value of the recycled fabric would offset the program costs but, unfortunately, we were not able to reach that goal. At this point we are requesting a donation for each flag returned for recycling. Flag Size Requested Donation Flag size Requested Donation 3'x5' $ 'x18' $ 'x6' $ 'x25' $ 'x8' $ 'x30' $ 'x9.5' $ 'x38' $ 'x10' $ 'x40' $ 'x12' $ 'x50' $ 'x15' $ 'x60' $ 'x19' $13.00 Call Concerning Larger Flags Shipping cost must be prepaid and sent to the following address: American Flags Express Inc West Custer Avenue Butler, WI For now, make your check payable to American Flags Express Inc. American Flags Express Inc. has been our major sponsor in the development of this program since Please include your return address on the outside of the packaging Please include your address inside the box for a receipt.* Please be sure to mark the package, American Flag for Recycling. Please mark the canvas header, American Flag for Recycling. * We will a receipt to you immediately. Eventually we will also to you a YouTube link showing the first American Flag Recycling Retirement Program which will include your flag. What happens with your donation? 100% of your donation will be used to cover the cost of recycling American flags or to provide American flags to the American military through a program called Operation Purple Heart. This is a beta recycling test so we do not have an exact cost experience. We are requesting a donation that should cover all the costs plus allow any overage to be contributed to Operation Purple Heart. Financial updates will be listed on this website as the program begins to roll. 39

41 Details on Recycling Costs American flags returned for retirement must be sorted into nylon and polyester and stored in Portable on Demand Storage container, PODS. We must accumulate at least 10,000 pounds before the unit will be accepted by the fabric recycler. Once the container is filled it will be transported 900 miles to the recycler. This is the most efficient method we could devise at this time. Following are projected costs: Administration of funds and nonprofit set up -- $0 (We hope!) PODS set up (including transport) -- $2461 per cycle PODS rental charge -- $2,388/unit/year Cost of sorting flags and packed into PODS -- $0 (We hope!) Cost of area to park PODS -- $0 (We hope!) As you can see we have some cost variables. The largest variable not listed above is we don't know how many people will take advantage of this program. We do believe we will be able to cover our costs based on the donations we are requesting. None of the contributions will be used to pay for staffing or any other costs. Fortunately our major sponsor, American Flags Express Inc. helps cover those costs. Extra money to Operation Purple Heart and beyond If people honor our request for contributions and our expenses run close to projection we should be able to cover costs and accumulate extra money. Think of this as a margin of safety! Once we are confident of the recycling costs, this margin of safety fund will be used to provide American flags through Operation Purple Heart. Operation Purple Heart provides free commercial quality AMERICAN MADE American flags to our military serving overseas. The program is focused to make sure that every recipient of a Purple Heart also receives an American flag. Under this program American flags are also provided to active military and veterans. Additional Questions & Suggestions If you have any questions or suggestions please contact Sue at FlagRecycling@Gmail.com or Tom at American Flags Express Inc., extension

42 Chapter 7 History of our Flag 7.1 History of our Flag 7.2 Associated people 7.3 First flag 7.4 The Flag Resolution of Later flag acts 7.6 Historical progression of designs 7.7 The "Flower Flag" arrives in Asia 7.8 Similar national flags Flag of the United States of America Name The Stars and Stripes; Red, White and Blue; Old Glory; The Star-Spangled Banner Use National flag and ensign Adopted June 14, 1777 (original 13-star version) July 4, 1960 (current 50-star version) Design Thirteen horizontal stripes alternating red and white; in the canton, 50 white stars of alternating numbers of six and five per row on a blue field The national flag of the United States of America, often simply referred to as the American flag, consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and became the first states in the Union. Nicknames for the flag include the "Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", and "The Star-Spangled Banner." These specifications are contained in an executive order which, strictly speaking, governs only flags made for or by the U.S. federal government. In practice, most U.S. national flags available for sale to the public have a different length-towidth ratio; common sizes are 2 3 ft. or 4 6 ft. (flag ratio 1.5), ft. or 5 8 ft. (1.6), or 3 5 ft. or 6 10 ft. (1.667). Even flags flown over the U.S. Capitol for sale to the public through Representatives or Senators are provided in these sizes. Flags that are made to the prescribed 1.9 ratio are often referred to as "G-spec" (for "government specification") flags. 7.1 History of our Flag The design of the flag has been modified 26 times officially, since The 48-star flag was in effect for 47 years until the 49-star version became official on July 4, The 50-star flag was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21,

43 7.2 Associated people Francis Bellamy ( ), creator of the Pledge of Allegiance William Driver ( ), who owned and named "Old Glory" Thomas E. Franklin (1966 present), photographer of Ground Zero Spirit, better known as Raising the Flag at Ground Zero Christopher Gadsden ( ), after whom the Gadsden flag is named Robert G. Heft ( ), a designer of the current flag's canton Jasper Johns (1930 ), painter of Flag ( ), inspired by a dream of the flag John Paul Jones ( ), who claimed to have first raised the Grand Union Flag aboard the Alfred in 1775 Francis Scott Key ( ), writer of "The Star-Spangled Banner" Katha Pollitt (1949 present), author of a controversial essay on post-9/11 America and her refusal to fly a U.S. flag George Preble ( ), author of History of the American Flag (1872) and photographer of the Fort McHenry flag Joe Rosenthal ( ), photographer of Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima Betsy Ross ( ), creator of the first stars and stripes flag (according to legend) 7.3 First flag The Continental Colors (aka Grand Union Flag) Flag of the British East India Company, At the time of the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress would not legally adopt flags with "stars, white in a blue field" for another year. The flag contemporaneously known as "the Continental Colors" has historically been referred to as the first national flag. The Continental Navy raised the Colors as the ensign of the fledgling nation in the American War for Independence likely with the expedient of transforming their previous British red ensigns by adding white stripes and would use this flag until 1777, when it would form the basis for the subsequent de jure designs. The name "Grand Union" was first applied to the Continental Colors by George Preble in his 1872 history of the American flag. The flag closely resembles the British East India Company flag of the era, and Sir Charles Fawcett argued in 1937 that the Company flag inspired the design. Both flags could have been easily constructed by adding white stripes to a British Red Ensign, the maritime flag used throughout the British Empire. However, an East India Company flag could have from nine to 13 stripes, and was not allowed to be flown outside the Indian Ocean. In any case, both the stripes (barry) and the stars (mullets) have precedents in classical heraldry. Mullets were comparatively rare in early modern heraldry, but an example of mullets representing territorial divisions predating the US flag are those in the coat of arms of Valais of 1618, where seven mullets stood for seven districts. 42

44 7.4 The Flag Resolution of 1777 On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution which stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Flag Day is now observed on June 14 of each year. While scholars still argue about this, tradition holds that the new flag was first hoisted in June 1777 by the Continental Army at the Middlebrook encampment. Francis Hopkinson's design for a US flag, featuring sixpointed stars arranged in rows. 13-star "Betsy Ross" variant The 1777 resolution was most probably meant to define a naval ensign. In the late 18th century, the notion of national flag did not yet exist, or was only nascent. The flag resolution appears between other resolutions from the Marine Committee. On May 10, 1779, Secretary of the Board of War Richard Peters expressed concern "it is not yet settled what is the Standard of the United States." The Flag Resolution did not specify any particular arrangement, number of points, nor orientation for the stars. One famous arrangement features 13 outwardly-oriented five-pointed stars arranged in a circle, the so-called Betsy Ross flag. Although the Betsy Ross legend is controversial, the design is among the earliest 13-star flags. Popular designs at the time were varied and most were individually crafted rather than mass-produced. Examples of 13-star arrangements can be found on other flags attributed to Francis Hopkinson, the Cowpens flag, and the Brandywine flag. Given the scant archaeological and written evidence, it is unknown if one design was the most popular during the period. Despite the 1777 resolution, a number of flags only loosely based on the prescribed design were used in the early years of American independence. One example may have been the Guilford Court House Flag, traditionally believed to have been carried by the American troops at the Battle of Guilford Court House in Other evidence suggests it dates only to the nineteenth century. The original flag is at the North Carolina Historical Museum. The origin of the stars and stripes design is inadequately documented. The apocryphal story credits Betsy Ross for sewing the first flag from a pencil sketch handed to her by George Washington. No evidence for this exists; indeed, nearly a century had passed before Ross' grandson, William Canby, first publicly suggested it. Another woman, Rebecca Young, has also been credited as having made the first flag by later generations of her family. Young's daughter was Mary Pickersgill, who made the Star Spangled Banner Flag. According to rumor, the Washington family coat of arms, shown in a 15th-century window of Selby Abbey, was the origin of the stars and stripes. It is clear that Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, designed the 1777 flag while he was the Chairman of the Continental Navy Board's Middle Department, sometime between his appointment to that position in November 1776 and the time that the flag resolution was adopted in June This contradicts the Betsy Ross legend, which suggests that she sewed the first Stars and Stripes flag by request of the government in the Spring of Hopkinson was the only person to have made such a claim during his own lifetime, when he sent a bill to Congress for his work. He asked for a "Quarter Cask of the Public Wine" as payment initially. The payment was not made, however, because it was determined he had already received a salary as a member of Congress, and he was not the only person to have contributed to the design. 43

45 7.5 Later flag acts 15-star, 15-stripe Star Spangled Banner Flag The 48-star flag was one of the longest in use ( ), second only to the current one. In 1795, the number of stars and stripes was increased from 13 to 15 (to reflect the entry of Vermont and Kentucky as states of the Union). For a time the flag was not changed when subsequent states were admitted, probably because it was thought that this would cause too much clutter. It was the 15-star, 15-stripe flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "Defense of Fort McHenry," later known as "The Star-Spangled Banner", which is now the American national anthem. The flag is currently on display in the exhibition, "The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired the National Anthem" at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History in a two-story display chamber that protects the flag while it is on view. On April 4, 1818, a plan was passed by Congress at the suggestion of U.S. Naval Captain Samuel C. Reid in which the flag was changed to have 20 stars, with a new star to be added when each new state was admitted, but the number of stripes would be reduced to 13 so as to honor the original colonies. The act specified that new flag designs should become official on the first July 4 (Independence Day) following admission of one or more new states. The most recent change, from 49 stars to 50, occurred in 1960 when the present design was chosen, after Hawaii gained statehood in August Before that, the admission of Alaska in January 1959 prompted the Oil painting depicting the 39 historical debut of a short-lived 49-star flag. U.S. flags Prior to the adoption of the 48-star flag in 1912, there was no official arrangement of the stars in the canton, although the Army and Navy used standardized designs. Throughout the 19th century there were a plethora of star patterns, rectangular and circular. On July 4, 2007, the 50-star flag became the version of the flag in longest use. 7.6 Historical progression of designs See also: List of U.S. states by date of statehood In the following table depicting the 28 various designs of the United States flag, the star patterns for the flags are merely the usual patterns, often associated with the United States Navy. Canton designs, prior to the proclamation of the 48- star flag, had no official arrangement of the stars. Furthermore, the exact colors of the flag were not standardized until Number of stars 0 13 Number of stripes Design(s) States represented by new stars N/A Dates in use December 3, 1775 June 14, 1777 Duration years 44

46 Number of stars Number of stripes Design(s) States represented by new stars Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island Dates in use June 14, 1777 May 1, 1795 Duration 18 years Vermont, Kentucky May 1, 1795 July 3, years Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee July 4, 1818 July 3, year Illinois July 4, 1819 July 3, year Alabama, Maine July 4, 1820 July 3, years Missouri July 4, 1822 July 3, term "Old Glory" coined 14 years Arkansas July 4, 1836 July 3, year Michigan July 4, 1837 July 3, years Florida July 4, 1845 July 3, year Texas July 4, 1846 July 3, year Iowa July 4, 1847 July 3, year Wisconsin July 4, 1848 July 3, years California July 4, 1851 July 3, years 45

47 Number of stars Number of stripes Design(s) States represented by new stars Dates in use Duration Minnesota July 4, 1858 July 3, year Oregon July 4, 1859 July 3, years Kansas July 4, 1861 July 3, years West Virginia July 4, 1863 July 3, years Nevada July 4, 1865 July 3, years Nebraska July 4, 1867 July 3, years Colorado July 4, 1877 July 3, years Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington July 4, 1890 July 3, year Wyoming July 4, 1891 July 3, years Utah July 4, 1896 July 3, years Oklahoma July 4, 1908 July 3, years Arizona, New Mexico July 4, 1912 July 3, years 46

48 Number of stars Number of stripes Design(s) States represented by new stars Dates in use Duration Alaska July 4, 1959 July 3, year Hawaii July 4, 1960 present 53 years 7.7 The "Flower Flag" arrives in Asia The U.S. flag was brought to the city of Canton (Guǎngzhōu) in China in 1785 by the merchant ship Empress of China, which carried a cargo of ginseng. There it gained the designation "Flower Flag" (Chinese: 花 旗 ; pinyin: huāqí; Cantonese Yale: fākeì). According to author and U.S. Naval officer George H. Preble: When the thirteen stripes and stars first appeared at Canton much curiosity was excited among the people. News was circulated that a strange ship had arrived from the farther end of the world, bearing a flag as beautiful as a flower. Everybody went to see the Kaw-kee-cheun [ 花 旗 船 ], or flower-flag ship. This name at once established itself in the language, and America is now called Kaw-kee-koh [Chinese: 花 旗 國 ; pinyin: Huāqíguó; Cantonese Yale: Fākeìgwok], the flower-flag country, and an American, Kah-kee-koh-yin [ 花 旗 國 人 ], flower flag country man, a more complimentary designation than that of red-headed barbarian [ang-moh-lang], the name first bestowed on the Dutch. In the above quote, the Chinese words are written phonetically based on spoken Cantonese. The names given were common usage in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Other Asian nations have equivalent terms for America, for example Vietnamese: Hoa Kỳ ("Flower Flag"). Chinese nowadays refer to the United States as simplified Chinese: 美 国 ; traditional Chinese: 美 國 ; pinyin: Měiguó. Měi is short for Měilìjiān (a Chinese pronunciation of "America") and "guó" means "country", so this name is unrelated to the flag. However, the "flower flag" terminology persists in some places today; for example, American Ginseng is called simplified Chinese: 花 旗 参 ; traditional Chinese: 花 旗 參 ; literally "flower flag ginseng" in Chinese. The U.S. flag took its first trip around the world in on board the Columbia. William Driver, who coined the phrase "Old Glory", took the U.S. flag around the world in The flag attracted the notice of Japanese when an oversized version was carried to Yokohama by the steamer Great Republic as part of a round-the-world journey in Similar national flags Flag of Bikini Atoll The flag of Bikini Atoll is symbolic of the islanders' belief that a great debt is still owed to the people of Bikini because in 1954 the United States government detonated a thermonuclear bomb on the island as part of the Castle Bravo test. Flag of Puerto Rico 47

49 Flag of Liberia The flag of Liberia bears a close resemblance, showing the ex-american-slave origin of the country. The Liberian flag has 11 similar red and white stripes, which stand for the 11 signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a blue square with only a single large white star for the canton. Flag of Cuba Flag of the Republic of Texas The Flag of the Republic of Texas is very similar as well and flew for seven years from as the Country flag and for over 150 years from 1846 present day as the State flag. 1st National Flag of the Confederate States of America Flag of Malaysia Despite Malaysia having no historical connections with the USA, the flag of Malaysia greatly resembles the US flag. It is possible that the flag of the British East India Company influenced both the Malaysian and USA flag. Flag of Chile Provisional Flag of Republic of the United States of Brazil The very short lived First Flag of the Republic of the United States of Brazil, (November 15 19, 1889) resembles the U.S. flag, but uses Brazil's traditional colors of green, yellow, and blue instead of the U.S. flag's red, white, and blue. It was designed to honor the American people and the American Revolution. Flag of the Philippines (was a U.S. territory ) 48

50 Flag of El Salvador The flag of El Salvador from 1865 to A different flag was in use, based on the flag of the United States, with a field of alternating blue and white stripes and a red canton containing white stars. Flag of Togo The flag of Togo resembles a Liberian flag with five stripes, though the colors are Pan-African colors. Flag of El Salvador Flag of the Khmer Republic

51 Chapter 8 Flag Design, Flag Poles and Accessories 8.1 Purchase a U.S. Flag that has flown over the Capitol 8.2 Designer of America s Current National Flag: Robert G. Heft 8.3 Flag Sizes 8.4 Standard Proportions for the United States Flag 8.5 Parade Gear 8.1 Purchase a U.S. Flag that has flown over the Capitol Anyone can purchase a U.S. Flag that has flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C. This can be accomplished writing a letter to your Senator with your request. Their address can be obtained by calling your local Public Library and asking for it or use the Senators of the 109th Congress web site to locate contact information for your Senator. You may request that your flag be flown on a certain date such as a birthday or anniversary. Be sure to mail in your request at least 4 weeks prior to the date you have selected. Your flag will be mailed to you and arrive 3-4 weeks after the date you have specified (Since September 11th, 2001 it may take longer to receive your flag). Enclosed with your flag will be a Certificate from The Architect of the Capitol certifying that your flag was flown as requested. If you mention in your letter that this flag is for any specific occasion, that information will be included on the certificate. In the past I had provided a link here to a Flag Ordering Form. I have discontinued the Form because prices can vary at different Senators web sites. Flag order information is typically found under "Constituent Services" Flag Page Authors Note: I have purchased several of these flags in this way and I can attest to their high quality. The stars are embroidered and the stripes are individually sewn. A great gift to yourself or to a person of any age on a special occasion. 8.2 Robert G. Heft: Designer of America s Current National Flag By Jim Sielicki, United Press International This article appeared in the magazine "THE EXCHANGE/JULY-AUGUST 1988" If the nation ever gets around to adding a new state to the union, Mayor Robert Heft will have a flag with 51 stars ready to go. Heft's niche in history is already secure as the designer of the country's 50-star flag 29 years ago, but his dream is to have his second version accepted when a new state is created. "There's a very good chance that I'd be the very first person in America's history to design two of the nation's flags, if it comes to pass," Heft said. What began as a high school project for the 45-year-old mayor, real estate businessman and part-time college teacher has evolved into a patriotic mission. Heft travels 100,000 miles annually from his home in Napoleon, a northwest Ohio town of about 9,000 people, to spread the gospel of patriotism and the story of how he designed the flag. 50

52 His popularity as a speaker - he averages about 150 engagements a year - extends from commencement exercises to appearances before civic groups. The Army invited him to serve as honorary parade marshal last July 4 in Panama. "Of course that's my whole life," he says. Heft did not have such a high profile back in 1958 in Lancaster, Ohio, when his interest in politics and talk of Alaska and Hawaii becoming states prompted him to design a 50-star flag as a school project. "When I was in school I was really shy," Heft recalled. "I was always the type of kid to sit in the back of the class." Unfamiliar with a needle and thread and unable to get help from his mother who feared her son's projects would be desecrating the flag, Heft spent 12 1/2 hours one weekend arranging and sewing a new combination of stars. 'The thing is to add it (a star) so no one can tell there is a change in the design," he said. Heft arranged the 50 stars in five rows of six stars alternating with four rows of five stars. His teacher, Stanley Pratt, gave him a B minus on the project. "He said it lacked originality," Heft said. "He said anybody could make the flag." Pratt, however, said he would give Heft a high grade if he could get Congress to accept the design. Heft took on the challenge and sent his flag to his congressman, Rep. Walter Moeller, who eventually got Heft's design accepted. Heft said he designed a 51-star version a few weeks after he completed his school project. That flag has six rows of stars, beginning with a row of nine and alternated by rows of eight to achieve a 51-star total. The proposed 51-star flag is in the hands of Rep. Clarence Miller, R-Ohio. "I told him to do whatever is necessary if we have a contest again," he said. The flag that made Heft famous is soiled and faded from frequent display. It has flown over every state capital building and over 88 U.S. embassies. An uneven patch at a lower corner is evidence of an attack on the embassy in Saigon in "It's the only flag in America's history to have flown over the White House under five administrations," he said. Heft said he has turned down offers of up to $350,000 to sell his first flag, and he has no intentions of parting with it. "But of course the thing that I'm worried about is right now it's the official flag of the country and it takes me all over the world," he said. Until another state is created and new flag is flown, Heft's flag keeps him busy making money through speaking engagements. 8.3 Flag Sizes What size flag should hang on what size flagpole? The usual size of a flag used at home is 3'x5'. On houses, a 15' or 20' flagpole should fly a 3'x5' flag. A 25' flagpole should use a 4'x6' flag. 51

53 The following table shows the appropriate size for public display of the flag: Flagpole Height Flag Size 20' - 4'x6' 25' - 5'x8' 30'-35' - 6'x10' 40'-45' - 6'x10-8'x12' 50' - 8x12'-10x15' 60'-65' - 10'x15'-10'x19' 70'-80' - 10'x19'-12'x18' 90'-100' - 20'x38'-30'x Standard Proportions for the United States Flag Standard Proportions Hoist (width) of flag (A) 1.0 Fly (length) of flag (B) 1.9 Hoist (width) of Union (C) (7/13) Fly (length) of Union (D) 0.76 (E) (F) (G) (H) Diameter of star (K) Width of stripe (L) ( 1/13) The official regulation at the Defense Technology Information Center website is General Services Administration "Federal Specification, Flag, National, United States of America and Flag, Union Jack," DDD-F-416E, dated November 27, It specifies the colors by reference to "Standard Color Cards of America" maintained by the Color Association of the United States, Inc. These are: Cable No Old Glory Red Cable No White Cable No Old Glory Blue In the Pantone system the colors are: Blue PMS 282 and Red PMS 193. Colors A subdued-color flag patch, similar to style worn on the United States Army's ACU uniform. The patch is normally worn reversed on the right upper sleeve. See explanation in "Display on uniforms" section below. As with the design, the official colors are only officially required for flags produced for the U.S. federal government, and other colors are often used for mass-market flags, printed reproductions, and other products intended to evoke 52

54 flag colors. The practice of using more saturated colors than the official cloth is not new. As Taylor, Knoche, and Granville wrote in 1950: "The color of the official wool bunting [of the blue field] is a very dark blue, but printed reproductions of the flag, as well as merchandise supposed to match the flag, present the color as a deep blue much brighter than the official wool." The 49- and 50-star unions When Alaska and Hawaii were being considered for statehood in the 1950s, more than 1,500 designs were spontaneously submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Although some of them were 49-star versions, the vast majority were 50-star proposals. At least three of these designs were identical to the present design of the 50-star flag. At the time, credit was given by the executive department to the United States Army Institute of Heraldry for the design. Of these proposals, one created by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft in 1958 as a school project received the most publicity. His mother was a seamstress, but refused to do any of the work for him. He originally received a B for the project. After discussing the grade with his teacher, it was agreed (somewhat jokingly) that if the flag was accepted by Congress, the grade would be reconsidered. Heft's flag design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation after Alaska and before Hawaii was admitted into the Union in According to Heft, his teacher did keep to their agreement and changed his grade to an A for the project. Both the 49- and 50-star flags were each flown for the first time ever at Fort McHenry on the Fourth of July one year apart, 1959 and 1960 respectively. 8.5 Parade Gear US Flags and Unit Flags Parade flags are normally 3 x 5 nylon without gold fringe. The gold fringe is for indoor flag display only. Other flags should be the same size as the US flag and remember the order of precedence. Flag carriers, Belts, etc. This is a single Strap Parade Carrying belt. Made of White Nylon Webbing with a woven pole cup. The single strap is used by placing the belt around ones neck. Single belt adjustment. This is a Double Strap Parade Carrying belt. Made of White Nylon Webbing with a woven pole cup. The double belt is used by dropping the belt over one s head, belt will crisscross on the back. Each belt is adjustable. Note: This style is easy to change carriers during a long parade and are very easy to adjust. 1-1/4 in. leather single harness with large shield, adjustable strap, heavy plastic flag cup, and nickel buckle. Note: These can be confusing to put on and adjust. Double white leather harness 1-1/4 in. straps with a large shield, adjustable strap, heavy plastic flag cup, and nickel buckles. Extra large harness size is the same as regular with an added 5 in. length straps. 53

55 Flag Stands Commercial Flag Stands are available in either Heavy Cat Iron or ABS Plastic. After buying and replacing the ABS plastic style twice (youth dropped it and spread sand everywhere), we went with heavy cast iron model and it s holding up well after 10 years. Take it for what its worth. Admiral (AM-G) Flagstaff Stand Heavy Cast Iron, Gold Anodized Aluminum Cover Weight: pounds Base Diameter: 11-1/2 inch Bore/pole Diameter: Up to a 1-1/4 inch. List Price: $ Staffs and Poles Commodore flag stand ABS Plastic, Traditional Gilt Finish Weight: 10.5 pounds - Depends on how much and type of fill like sand or shot. Bore Diameter: 1 to 1-1/4 inch List price: $34.40 Display/Parade Flagpoles, Bore diameter is 1-1/4 inch, 2-Piece Hard Oak Wood, Gold finished Metal Screw Joint Recommend 1 ¼ diameter with brass joint. The aluminum does not hold up as well as the brass. Finials and Pole Toppers The Eagle tops the US Flag. The Boy Scout Universal Emblem tops the Boy Scout flag. The Gold Eagle flagstaff head (finial) Brass Plated Aluminum 9 Tall Universal Emblem Flagpole Topper, Scout Stuff Item: 11032, $37.99 Appropriate for all times and occasions, this handsome topper features the Universal Emblem crafted in metal with gold-plated finish. Measures approx. 9 tall with ferrule (included). Designed for use with 7 and 8 wooden flagpoles. Gold Cord and Tassel Set This 9' cord with 5" tassels adds a distinctive touch to your flag display. 54

56 Chapter 9 Poems, letters, Essays and other inspiring Readings 9.01 Patriotism Short Readings Face the Flag I Am Old Glory Remember Me? I am the Flag The American's Creed Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance 9.02 Patriotic Essays Our Flag - America's Tonic against Cynicism by Vice President Dan Quayle Flag Day American Self-Reliance by J. Ollie Edmunds The Meaning of Our Flag by Henry Ward Beecher "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry At Lincolns Tomb by Everett McKinley Dirksen Unfinished Task by Everett McKinley Dirksen Creed by Hal Borland Rights and Duties by Calvin Coolidge Portrait by John Francis Mercer An American without Reserve by Daniel Webster Daniel Webster Speaks at Bunker Hill by Samuel Griswold Goodrich 9.03 Poems of Patriotism The American Flag by Joseph Rodman Drake The Flag Goes By by Henry Holcomb Bennett I Am Old Glory by Master Sergeant Percy Webb, USMC My American Flag by Dan Solodon Flag of Our Union Ode to the Flag by Linda Sheehan Cunningham The Old Flag by H.C. Bunner Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash The Republic from "The Building of the Ship" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 9.04 Letters Lincoln letter to Mrs. Bixby. Letter of June 24, 1826, from Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman, declining to attend the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Recollections of the Boston Tea Party by George R. T. Hewes Letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush by Thomas Jefferson concerning the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Letter to Martha by George Washington Letter from a Navy Pilot - Battle of Midway, Anonymous Last Words to Her Fourteen-Year-Old Son by Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, Mother of Andrew Jackson 55

57 9.01 Patriotism Short Readings The following item may be used for an opening flag ceremony for troop meetings, courts of honor, PTA meetings, or any flag ceremony where it would be appropriate. It is a modification of John Wayne's "Face the Flag My Son". Face the Flag I Am Old Glory Remember Me? I am the Flag by Ruth Apperson Rous The American's Creed Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance Face the Flag Face the flag of stars and bars Of red and white and blue. A flag that guarantees the rights For a people like me and you. Face the flag friends, read what's written there; The history, the progress, the heritage we share. Our flag reflects the past, but stands for so much more, And in this age of Aquarius, it still flies in the fore. It leads the forward movement, shared by all mankind; To learn, to love, to live with peace of mind, To learn the mysteries of space as well as those of Earth, To love each person for what they are regardless of birth, To live without the fear of reprisal for belief, To ease the tensions of a world that cries out for relief. Face the flag of stars and bars Of red and white and blue. A flag that guarantees the rights For a people like me and you. Face the flag friends, take a good long look, What you see now can't be found in a history book. It's the present, the future friends, its being written now, And you're the ones to write it, and the flag can show you how. Do you know what it stands for? What its makers meant? To think, to speak, the privilege of dissent, To think our leaders might be wrong, to stand and tell them so, These are the things that people under other flags will never know. But, responsibility, that's the cross that freemen must bear. If you don't accept that, then freedom isn't there. (chorus) Face the flag of stars and bars Of red and white and blue. A flag that guarantees the rights 56

58 For a people like me and you. Face the flag friends and face reality. Our strength and our freedoms are based in unity. The flag is but a symbol friends, of the world's greatest nation. So do what "you got to do", but always keep in mind A lot of people believe in peace, but there are the other kind. If we want to keep the freedoms we may have to fight again, God forbid. But, if we do, let's always fight to win. The fate of a loser is futile, it's bare; No love, no peace, just misery, despair. Face the flag friends and thank God it's still there. I Am Old Glory I am old glory; for more the ten score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans. Born amid the first flames of America's fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of 13 colonies to a united nation of 50 sovereign states. Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith, my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions. Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage. They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity. They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men. So long as men love liberty more than life itself, so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America. Remember Me? Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star-Spangled Banner, but whatever they call me, I am your flag, the flag of the United States of America. I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade, and naturally, I was always there, proudly waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it over his heart. Remember? And you, I remember you standing there straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you, with her hand over her heart. Remember? What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have added a few more stars since you were a boy, and a lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago. But I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets. I may get a small glance, but then you look away. I see children running around and shouting. They don't seem to know who I am. I saw one man take off his hat and look around. He didn't see anybody else with his hat off, so he quickly put his back on. Is it a sin to be patriotic? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I've been? Anzio, Normandy, Omaha Beach, Guadalcanal, Korea, and Vietnam. Take a look at the memorial honor rolls some time. Look at the names of those who never came back in order to keep this republic free. One nation under God. When you salute me, you are actually saluting them. 57

59 Well, it won't be long until I'll be coming down your street again. So, when you see me, stand straight and place your right hand over your heart. I'll salute you by waving back. And I'll know that you remembered. I am the Flag by Ruth Apperson Rous I am the flag of the United States of America. I was born on June 14, 1777, in Philadelphia. There the Continental Congress adopted my stars and stripes as the national flag. My thirteen stripes alternating red and white, with a union of thirteen white stars in a field of blue, represented a new constellation, a new nation dedicated to the personal and religious liberty of mankind. Today fifty stars signal from my union, one for each of the fifty sovereign states in the greatest constitutional republic the world has ever known. My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country. My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters. My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all. My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith. I represent these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity. I embody American freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home. I typify that indomitable spirit of determination brought to my land by Christopher Columbus and by all my forefathers - the Pilgrims, Puritans, settlers at James town and Plymouth. I am as old as my nation. I am a living symbol of my nation's law: the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. I voice Abraham Lincoln's philosophy: "A government of the people, by the people, for the people." I stand guard over my nation's schools, the seedbed of good citizenship and true patriotism. I am displayed in every schoolroom throughout my nation; every schoolyard has a flag pole for my display. Daily thousands upon thousands of boys and girls pledge their allegiance to me and my country. 58

60 I have my own law Public Law 829, "The Flag Code" - which definitely states my correct use and display for all occasions and situations. I have my special day, Flag Day. June 14 is set aside to honor my birth. Americans, I am the sacred emblem of your country. I symbolize your birthright, your heritage of liberty purchased with blood and sorrow. I am your title deed of freedom, which is yours to enjoy and hold in trust for posterity. If you fail to keep this sacred trust inviolate, if I am nullified and destroyed, you and your children will become slaves to dictators and despots. Eternal vigilance is your price of freedom. As you see me silhouetted against the peaceful skies of my country, remind yourself that I am the flag of your country, that I stand for what you are - no more, no less. Guard me well, lest your freedom perish from the earth. Dedicate your lives to those principles for which I stand: "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." I was created in freedom. I made my first appearance in a battle for human liberty. God grant that I may spend eternity in my "land of the free and the home of the brave" and that I shall ever be known as "Old Glory," the flag of the United States of America. The American's Creed "I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principals of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies." Historical Notes: The American's Creed was a result of a nationwide contest for writing a National Creed, which would be a brief summary of the American political faith founded upon things fundamental in American history and tradition. The contest was the idea of Henry Sterling Chapin, Commissioner of Education of New York State. Over three thousand entries were received, and William Tyler Page was declared to be the winner. James H. Preston, the mayor of Baltimore, presented an award to Page in the House of Representatives Office Building on April 3, The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the commissioner of education of the state of New York accepted the Creed for the United States, and the proceedings relating to the award were printed in the Congressional Record of April 13, It was a time when patriotic sentiments were very much in vogue. The United States had been a participant in World War I only a little over a year at the time the Creed was adopted. The author of the American's Creed, William Tyler Page, was a descendant of John Page, who had come to America in1650 and had settled in Williamsburg, Virginia. Another ancestor, Carter Braxton, had signed the Declaration of Independence. Still another ancestor, John Tyler, was the tenth president of the United States. William Tyler Page had 59

61 come to Washington at the age of thirteen to serve as a Capitol Page. Later he became an employee of the Capitol building and served in that capacity for almost sixty-one years. In 1919 he was elected clerk of the House. Thirteen years later, when the Democrats again became a majority party, they created for Page the office of minority clerk of the House of Representatives. He held this position for the remainder of his life. Referring to the Creed, Page said: "It is the summary of the fundamental principles of the American political faith as set forth in its greatest documents, its worthiest traditions, and its greatest leaders." His wording of the Creed used passages and phrases from the Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Daniel Webster's reply to Robert Y. Hayne in the Senate in Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton's teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own. I - - Me; an individual; a committee of one. Pledge - - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity. Allegiance - - My love and my devotion. To the Flag - - Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job. United - - That means that we have all come together. States - - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country. And to the Republic - - Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which it stands One Nation - - One Nation--meaning, so blessed by God. Indivisible - - Incapable of being divided. With Liberty - - Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation. And Justice - - The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others. For All - - For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine. And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too? Red Skelton 60

62 9.02 Patriotic Essays Presented here are some essays that I have assembled for all of you with a patriotic heart. Our Flag - America's Tonic Against Cynicism by Vice President Dan Quayle Flag Day American Self-Reliance by J. Ollie Edmunds The Meaning of Our Flag by Henry Ward Beecher "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry At Lincolns Tomb by Everett McKinley Dirksen Unfinished Task by Everett McKinley Dirksen Creed by Hal Borland Rights and Duties by Calvin Coolidge Portrait by John Francis Mercer An American without Reserve by Daniel Webster Daniel Webster Speaks at Bunker Hill by Samuel Griswold Goodrich The Meaning of Our Flag Henry Ward Beecher If one asks me the meaning of our flag, I say to him: It means just what Concord and Lexington meant, what Bunker Hill meant. It means the whole glorious Revolutionary War. It means all that the Declaration of Independence meant. It means all that the Constitution of our people, organizing for justice, for liberty and for happiness, meant. Under this banner rode Washington and his armies. Before it Burgoyne laid down his arms. It waved on the highlands at West Point. When Arnold would have surrendered these valuable fortresses and precious legacies, his night was turned into day and his treachery was driven away by beams of light from this starry banner. It cheered our army, driven out from around New York, and in their painful pilgrimages through New Jersey. This banner streamed in light over the soldiers' heads at Valley Forge and at Morristown. It crossed the waters rolling with ice at Trenton, and when its stars gleamed in the morning with a victory, a new day of hope dawned on the despondency of this nation. Our Flag carries American ideas, American history and American feelings. Beginning with the Colonies, and coming down to our time, in its sacred heraldry, in its glorious insignia, it has gathered and stored chiefly this supreme idea: divine right of liberty in man. Every color means liberty; every thread means liberty; every form of star and beam or stripe of light means liberty - not lawlessness, but organized, institutional liberty - liberty through law, and laws for liberty! This American Flag was the safeguard of liberty. Not an atom of crown was allowed to go into its insignia. Not a symbol of authority in the ruler was permitted to go into it. It was an ordinance of liberty by the people, for the people. That it meant, that it means, and, by the blessing of God, that it shall mean to the end of time! Our Flag - America's Tonic against Cynicism Vice President Dan Quayle As Vice President and as a Senator and member of Congress before that, I have visited dozens of foreign countries. Believe me when I say I have seen lots of flags. Every country in the world flies flags on ceremonial occasions, such as the arrival of dignitaries on official trips. 61

63 But something sets Americans apart. We don't just put out the flag for important visitors, or on solemn occasions, and then put it away. Ordinary Americans, by the millions, revere our flag and display it every day. We fly it from tall poles in front of our businesses, from short poles in our front yards, from balcony railings in our condominium complexes. We pin the flag on our jacket lapels and paste it to the windows of our cars and trucks. As soon as our toddlers can hold a little stick in their tiny fists, we give them Old Glory to wave at the Fourth of July parade. And at life's end, we drape the caskets of our fallen patriots with the Stars and Stripes. This proud display of, and devotion to, the symbol of our nation is uniquely American. It is how we reaffirm the fact that we are indeed "one nation" and that whatever our other differences, there are core values Americans hold in common: a belief in the dignity of the individual, a love of liberty, and a commitment to government of, for, and by the people. By displaying the flag, we express our gratitude to the generations past who fought and died for this country, and we remind ourselves of our obligation to preserve for generations to come the freedom that others won for us. One of the privileges enjoyed by those of us in public life is to be greeted by flags most everywhere we go. This simple expression of patriotism is often a welcome relief from the cynicism of elites in our nation's capital who are too "sophisticated" to be caught waving a flag. My acquaintances in the major media might find this hard to believe, but there's nothing like seeing proud faces of youngsters reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to remind you of the high ideals that first led you to seek elected office. I realize that the temper of our times is increasingly cynical, that Americans in growing numbers raise a skeptical eyebrow upon hearing the words "high ideals" and "elected office" in the same breath. If you read the same newspaper stores I do, then you have seen the public opinion polls showing in what low repute we now hold the major branches of government. I must admit there are days when I understand those feelings. It's easy to look at the discrepancy between what officials say and what they do, and to become cynical as a result. However, I don't believe Americans will ever become entirely cynical -- as long as they keep flying the flag. As a symbol of our republic and its institutions, our link to this country's past and to its future, the flag helps us keep in mind that the Founding Fathers created a durable and admirable system of government. The founders didn't pretend to guarantee that only honorable men and women would hold office. In fact, they assumed the opposite -- and created a system of checks and balances as insurance against the imperfect politicians they knew would always exist. In other parts of the world, people tend to find Americans' love of the flag overly sentimental. I believe that our system of government, for all its occasional flaws, is still the finest in the world. Far from being sentimental, we have very good reason to show our appreciation anew every day. American Self-Reliance by J. Ollie Edmunds This country was not built by men who relied on somebody else to take care of them. It was built by men who relied on themselves, who dared to shape their own lives, who had enough courage to blaze new trails with enough confidence in themselves to take the necessary risks. 62

64 This self-reliance is our American legacy. It is the secret of that something which stamped Americans as Americans. Some call it individual initiative, others backbone. But whatever it is called, it is a precious ingredient in our national character, one which we must not lose. The time has come for us to re-establish the rights for which we stand, to re-assert our inalienable rights to human dignity, self-respect, self-reliance to be again the kind of people who once made America great. Such a crusade for renewed independence will require a succession of inspired leaders, leaders in spirit and in knowledge of the problem, not just men with political power, but men who are militantly for the distinctive way of life that was America. We are likely to find such leaders only among those that promote self-reliance and who practice it with strict devotion and understanding. "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry - March 23, 1775 No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. 63

65 They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrance s have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation? There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free -- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending -- if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained -- we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength but irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable -- and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death. At Lincolns Tomb by Everett McKinley Dirksen On the night of Good Friday, 1865, he left us to join a blessed procession, in neither doubt nor fear, but his soul does indeed go marching on. For this was the Bible-reading lad come out of wilderness, following a prairie star, filled with wonder at the world and its Maker, who all his life, boy and man, not only knew the Twenty-third Psalm but, more importantly, knew the Shepherd. 64

66 Now it seems possible that we shall never see his like again. This is a sobering thought, but it should be a kindling one, for upon us now, as a people and a party, has been laid perhaps the greatest responsibility any nation was ever asked to shoulder, yet certainly not greater than we can bear. Our days are no longer than were Lincoln's, our nights are no darker, and if there is any difference between his time and this it lies in the tremendous advantage that is ours, that he stood so tall before us. In such a time and at such a moment we surely can say then, from hopeful, brimful hearts: We are standing, Father Abraham, devoted millions strong, firm in the faith that was yours and is ours, secure in the conviction bequeathed by you to us that right does make might and that if we but dare to do our duty as we understand it, we shall not only survive--we shall prevail. Flag Day What's a flag? What's the love of country for which it stands? Maybe it begins with love of the land itself. It is the fog rolling in with the tide at Eastport, or through the Golden Gate and among the towers of San Francisco. It is the sun coming up behind the White Mountains, over the Green, throwing a shining glory on Lake Champlain and above the Adirondacks. It is the storied Mississippi rolling swift and muddy past St. Louis, rolling past Cairo, pouring down past the levees of New Orleans. It is lazy noontide in the pines of Carolina, it is a sea of wheat rippling in Western Kansas, it is the San Francisco peaks far north across the glowing nakedness of Arizona, it is the Grand Canyon and a little stream coming down out of a New England ridge, in which are trout. It is men at work. It is the storm-tossed fishermen coming into Gloucester and Provincetown and Astoria. It is the farmer riding his great machine in the dust of harvest, the dairyman going to the barn before sunrise, the lineman mending the broken wire, the miner drilling for the blast. It is the servants of fire in the murky splendor of Pittsburgh, between the Allegheny and the Monongahela, the trucks rumbling through the night, the locomotive engineer bringing the train in on time, the pilot in the clouds, the riveter running along the beam a hundred feet in the air. It is the clerk in the office, the housewife doing the dishes and sending the children off to school. It is the teacher, doctor and parson tending and helping, body and soul, for small reward. It is small things remembered, the little corners of the land, the houses, the people that each one loves. We love our country because there was a little tree on a hill, and grass thereon, and a sweet valley below; because the hurdy-gurdy man came along on a sunny morning in a city street; because a beach or a farm or a lane or a house that might not seem much to others were once, for each of us, made magic. It is voices that are remembered only, no longer heard. It is parents, friends, the lazy chat of street and store and office, and the ease of mind that makes life tranquil. It is Summer and Winter, rain and sun and storms. These are flesh of our flesh, bone of our bone, blood of our blood, a lasting part of what we are, each of us and all of us together. It is stories told. It is the Pilgrims dying in their first dreadful Winter. It is the minute man standing his ground at Concord Bridge, and dying there. It is the army in rags, sick, freezing, starving at Valley Forge. It is the wagons and the men on foot going westward over Cumberland Gap, floating down the great rivers, rolling over the great plains. It is the settler hacking fiercely at the primeval forest on his new, his own lands. It is Thoreau at Walden Pond, Lincoln at Cooper Union, and Lee riding home from Appomattox. It is corruption and disgrace, answered always by men who would not let the flag lie in the dust, who have stood up in every generation to fight for the old ideals and the old rights, at risk of ruin or of life itself. It is a great multitude of people on pilgrimage, common and ordinary people, charged with the usual human failings, yet filled with such a hope as never caught the imaginations and the hearts of any nation on earth before. The hope of liberty. The hope of justice. The hope of a land in which a man can stand straight, without fear, without rancor. 65

67 The land and the people and the flag, the land a continent, the people of every race, the flag a symbol of what humanity may aspire to when the wars are over and the barriers are down: to these each generation must be dedicated and consecrated anew, to defend with life itself, if need be, but, above all, in friendliness, in hope, in courage, to live for. Creed by Hal Borland I am an American: That's the way we put it, simply, without any swagger, without any brag, in those four plain words. We speak them softly, just to ourselves. We roll them on the tongue, touching every syllable, getting the feel of them, the enduring flavor. We speak them humbly, thankfully, reverently: I am an American. They are more than words, really. They are the sum of the lives of a vast multitude of men and women and wide-eyed children. They are a manifesto to mankind; speak those four words anywhere in the world -- yes, anywhere -- and those who hear will recognize their meaning. They are a pledge. A pledge that stems from a document which says: "When in the course of human events," and goes on from there. A pledge to those who dreamed that dream before it was set to paper, to those who have lived it since, and died for it. Those words are a covenant with a great host of plain Americans, Americans who put their share of meaning into them. Listen, and you can hear the voices echoing through them, words that sprang white-hot from bloody lips, scornful lips, lips a tremble with human pity: "Don't give up the ship! Fight her till she dies... Damn the torpedoes! Go ahead!... Do you want to live forever?... Don't cheer, boys; the poor devils are dying." Laughing words, June-warm words, words cold as January ice: "Root, hog, or die... I've come from Alabama with my banjo... Pike's Peak or bust!... Busted, by God!... When you say that, smile... Wait till you see the whites of their eyes... With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right... I am not a Virginian, but an American." You can hear men in assembly summoned, there in Philadelphia, hear the scratch of their quills as they wrote words for the hour and produced a document for the ages. You can hear them demanding guarantees for which they suffered through the hell of war, hear a Yankee voice intoning the text of ten brief amendments. You can hear the slow cadences of a gaunt and weary man at Gettysburg, dedicating not a cemetery, but a nation. You can hear those echoes as you walk along the streets, hear them in the rumble of traffic; you can hear them as you stand at the lathe, in the roaring factory; hear them in the clack of train wheels, in the drumming throb of the air liner; hear them in the corn fields and in the big woods and in the mine pits and the oil fields. 66

68 But they aren't words any longer; they're a way of life, a pattern of living. They're the dawn that brings another day in which to get on the job. They're the noon whistle, with a chance to get the kinks out of your back, to get a bowl of soup, a plate of beans, a cup of coffee into your belly. They're evening, with another day's work done; supper with the wife and kids; a movie, or the radio, or the newspaper or a magazine -- and no Gestapo snooping at the door and threatening to kick your teeth in. They are a pattern of life as lived by a free people, freedom that has its roots in rights and obligations: The right to go to a church with a cross or a star or a dome or a steeple, or not to go to any church at all; and the obligation to respect others in that same right. The right to harangue on a street corner, to hire a hall and shout your opinions till your tonsils are worn to a frazzle; and the obligation to curb your tongue now and then. The right to go to school, to learn a trade, to enter a profession, to earn an honest living; and the obligation to do an honest day's work. The right to put your side of the argument in the hands of a jury; and the obligation to abide by the laws that you and your delegates have written in the statute books. The right to choose who shall run our government for us, the right to a secret vote that counts just as much as the next fellow's in the final tally; and the obligation to use that right, and guard it and keep it clean. The right to hope, to dream, to pray; the obligation to serve. These are some of the meanings of those four words, meanings we don't often stop to tally up or even list. Only in the stillness of a moonless night, or in the quiet of a Sunday afternoon, or in the thin dawn of a new day, when our world is close about us, do they rise up in our memories and stir in our sentient hearts. Only then? That is not wholly so -- not today! For today we are drilling holes and driving rivets, shaping barrels and loading shells, fitting wings and welding hulls, And we are remembering Wake Island, and Bataan, and Corregidor, and Hong Kong and Singapore and Batavia; We are remembering Warsaw and Rotterdam and Rouen and Coventry. Remembering, and muttering with each rivet driven home: "There's another one for remembrance!" They're plain words, those four. Simple words. You could write them on your thumbnail, if you chose, Or you could sweep them all across the sky, horizon to horizon. You could grave them on stone, you could carve them on the mountain ranges. You could sing them, to the tune of "Yankee Doodle." 67

69 But you needn't. You needn't do any of those things, For those words are graven in the hearts of 130,000,00 people, they are familiar to 130,000,000 tongues, every sound and every syllable. But when we speak them we speak them softly, proudly, gratefully: I am an American. Rights and Duties by Calvin Coolidge We do honor to the stars and stripes as the emblem of our country and the symbol of all that our patriotism means. We identify the flag with almost everything we hold dear on earth. It represents our peace and security, our civil and political liberty, our freedom of religious worship, our family, our friends, our home. We see it in the great multitude of blessings, of rights and privileges that make up our country. But when we look at our flag and behold it emblazoned with all our rights, we must remember that it is equally a symbol of our duties. Every glory that we associate with it is the result of duty done. A yearly contemplation of our flag strengthens and purifies the national conscience. Portrait by John Francis Mercer In response to a request from England for a description of Col. George Washington, his aide-de-camp, John Francis Mercer, wrote: "He may be described as being as straight as an Indian, measuring six feet two inches in his stockings and weighing 175 pounds when he took his seat in the House of Burgesses in His frame is padded with well-developed muscles, indicating great strength. His bones and joints are large, as are his feet and hands. "He is wide shouldered, but has not a deep or round chest; is neat waisted, but is broad across the hips, and has rather long legs and arms. His head is well shaped though not large, but is gracefully poised on a superb neck. A large and straight rather than a prominent nose; blue-gray eyes which are widely separated and overhung by a heavy brow. His face is long rather than broad, with high round cheek bones, and terminates in a good firm chin. He has a clear though rather colorless pale skin, which burns with the sun. A pleasing, benevolent, though a commanding countenance, dark brown hair, which he wears in a cue. "His mouth is large and generally firmly closed, but which from time to time discloses some defective teeth. His features are regular and placid, though flexible and expressive of deep feeling when moved by emotion." Unfinished Task by Everett McKinley Dirksen What strange doubts assail this timid generation of today as it beholds the challenges to both liberty and equality. We seem beset with fear not faith, with doubt not confidence, with compromise not conviction, with dismay not dedication. We are drenched with the literature of fear and doubt. Survival has become the main theme. The fall-out shelter from which the stars of hope and courage cannot be seen has become the symbol of our fears and misgivings. 68

70 Are we to become fearful, unworthy legatees in a blessed, united land where the earth is fertile to our every need, where the skills and ingenuity of men are boundless, where the burdens are bearable, where decent living is within the reach of all, and where the genius to produce is unlimited? Perhaps we have lost our sense of continuity? Perhaps we have forgotten that we move in that same endless stream which began with our forefathers and which will flow on and on to embrace our children and our children's children. If we have, there will have gone with it that sense of individual responsibility which is the last best hope that a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to equality can long endure. Comes then the reminder from the man from Illinois. Men died here and men are sleeping here who fought under a July sun that the nation might endure, united, free, tolerant, and devoted to equality. The task was unfinished. It is never quite finished. An American without Reserve by Daniel Webster I was born an American; I live an American; I shall die an American; and I intend to perform the duties incumbent upon me in that character to the end of my career. I mean to do this with absolute disregard of personal consequences. What are the personal consequences? What is the individual man, with all the good or evil that may betide him, in comparison with the good or evil which may befall a great country, and in the midst of great transactions which concern that country's fate? Let the consequences be what they will, I am careless. No man can suffer too much, and no man can fall too soon, if he suffer, or if he fall, in the defense of the liberties and constitution of his country. Daniel Webster Speaks at Bunker Hill by Samuel Griswold Goodrich The first time I ever saw Mr. Webster was on the 17th of June, 1825, at the laying of the corner-stone of the Bunker Hill Monument. I shall never forget his appearance as he strode across the open area, encircled by some fifty thousand persons men and women, waiting for the "Orator of the Day," nor the shout that simultaneously burst forth, as he was recognized, carrying up to the skies the name of "Webster!" "Webster!" "Webster!" It was one of those lovely days in June, when the sun is bright, the air clear, and the breath of nature so sweet and pure as to fill every bosom with a grateful joy in the mere consciousness of existence. There were present long files of soldiers in their holiday attire; there were many associations, with their mottoed banners; there were lodges and grand lodges, in white aprons and blue scarfs; there were miles of citizens from the towns and the country round about; there were two hundred gray-haired men, remnants of the days of the Revolution. Mr. Webster was in the very zenith of his fame and of his powers. There was a grandeur in his form, an intelligence in his deep dark eye, a loftiness in his expansive brow, a significance in his arched lip, altogether beyond those of any other human being I ever saw. And these, on the occasion to which I allude, had their full expression and interpretation. When he came to address the few scarred and time-worn veterans, some forty in number, who had shared in the bloody scene which all had now gathered to commemorate, he paused a moment, and, as he uttered the words "Venerable men," his voice trembled, and I could see a cloud pass over the sea of faces that turned upon the speaker. 69

71 He said: "Our poor work may perish, but thine shall endure: this monument may moulder away, the solid ground it rests upon may sink down to the level of the sea; but thy memory shall not fail. Wherever among men a heart shall be found that beats to the transports of patriotism and liberty, its aspirations shall claim kindred with thy spirit!" I have never seen such an effect, from a single passage. Lifted as by inspiration, every breast seemed now to expand, every gaze to turn above, every face to beam with a holy yet exulting enthusiasm. It was the omnipotence of eloquence, which, like the agitated sea, carries a host upon its waves, sinking and swelling with its irresistible undulations. The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln, November 19, 1863 at the Gettysburg Battlefield Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr. Delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963 Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity. But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition. In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to 70

72 which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksand s of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges. But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." 71

73 I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring." And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" D-Day Order - June 6, 1944 by Dwight D. Eisenhower You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. 72

74 But this is the year Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeat in open battle man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned. The freemen of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. 73

75 9.03 Poems of Patriotism Presented here are some poems that I have assembled for all of you with a patriotic heart. The American Flag by Joseph Rodman Drake The Flag Goes By by Henry Holcomb Bennett I Am Old Glory by Master Sergeant Percy Webb, USMC My American Flag by Dan Solodon Flag of Our Union Ode to the Flag by Linda Sheehan Cunningham The Old Flag by H.C. Bunner Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash The Republic from "The Building Of The Ship" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow The American Flag Joseph Rodman Drake When freedom, from her mountain height Unfurled her standard to the air, She tore the azure robe of night And set the stars of glory there. She mingled with its gorgeous dyes The milky baldric of the skies, Then from his mansion in the sun She called her eagle-bearer down And gave into his mighty hand The symbol of her chosen land. Ode to the Flag By Linda Sheehan Cunningham COPYRIGHT 1970 & 1996 Our Nation's Flag is a stirring sight. As it flutters proudly in the breeze Its colors of blue, red and white mean so much to you and me. Red stands for courage and hardiness. The white means innocence and purity. Blue for justice, perseverance and vigilance. In its promise to keep us free. This banner stands for a bountiful land, Its government, people, and ideals. The stripes from the thirteen colonies stand. Its symbolism is very real. Each State now is represented by a star of white on blue President Washington first presented The American Flag to You. Many brave men have fought and died. To protect it from dishonor and disgrace. Wives have mourned and mothers have cried. So we could remain...the United States. The sight of this Banner brings feeling of joy, of courage, pride and freedom to all. A symbol of our nation in all its glory. On the moon Old Glory stands tall. The Flag Goes By Henry Holcomb Bennett Hats off! Along the street there comes A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums, A flash of color beneath the sky: Hats off! The flag is passing by! Blue and crimson and white it shines, Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines. Hats off! The colors before us fly; But more than the flag is passing by. Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great, Fought to make and to save the State: Weary marches and sinking ships; Cheers of victory on dying lips; Days of plenty and years of peace; March of a strong land's swift increase; Equal justice, right, and law, Stately honor and reverend awe; Sign of a nation, great and strong Toward her people from foreign wrong: Pride and glory and honor,--all Live in the colors to stand or fall. Hats off! Along the street there comes A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums; And loyal hearts are beating high: Hats off! The Flag is passing by! The Old Flag H.C. Bunner 74

76 Off with your hat as the flag goes by! And let the heart have it say; You're man enough for a tear in your eye That you will never wipe away. You're man enough for a thrill that goes To your very finger-tips-- Ay! the lump just then in your throat that rose Spoke more than your parted lips. Lift up the boy on your shoulder high, And show him the faded shred; Those stripes would be red as the sunset sky If death could have dyed them red. Off with your hat as the flag goes by! Uncover the youngster's head; Teach him to hold it holy and high For the sake of its sacred dead. O Flag of our Union O flag of our Union, To you we'll be true, To your red and white stripes, And your stars on the blue; The emblem of freedom, The symbol of right, We children salute you, O flag fair and bright! *A poem taught in American classrooms nearly a century ago. Reprinted 1995 by AMVETS, 4647 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, Maryland I Am Old Glory Originally written by Master Sergeant Percy Webb, USMC. I Am Old Glory: For more than ten score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans. Born amid the first flames of America's fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of thirteen colonies to a united nation of fifty sovereign states. Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions. Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage. They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity. They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men. So long as men love liberty more than life itself; so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America. My American Flag Dan Solodon The People of today just rant and rave. 75 They burn my symbol of freedom, I just want to grab and shake them.

77 They have no sense of pride, For your beauty you never denied. Like my brothers before me, I have fought to keep your colors free. With every battle that we had won, you were there to show who was number one. When our brothers had died, you caressed their bodies with pride. To them it may be a cloth of colors, to me it stands for freedom and honor. We must ask our leaders to debate, and change our flags fate. My American Flag this promise I give, to hold you high and let you live. My words to you are profound, I'll keep your colors off the ground. I will guard and protect your stars and stripes, with all my power, might and life. We have our leaders to thank, for allowing these people their prank. Dan Solodon, a Disabled American Veteran, wrote "My American Flag" in college for a contest by the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society in Oklahoma and took 2 awards locally and Regionally, November 23, Ragged Old Flag Written by Johnny Cash I walked through a county courthouse square, On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down." He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town." I said, "Your flagpole has leaned a little bit, And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it. "On Flanders Field in World War I She got a big hole from a Bertha gun. She turned blood red in World War II She hung limp and low by the time it was through. She was in Korea and Vietnam. She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam." He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down. "Is this the first time you've been to our little town?" I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag, But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag." "You see, we got a little hole in that flag there When Washington took it across the Delaware. And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key Sat watching it writing _Oh Say Can You See_. And it got a bad rip in New Orleans With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams." "And it almost fell at the Alamo Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on through. She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill. There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg, And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag." "She waved from our ships upon the briny foam, And now they've about quit waving her back here at home. In her own good land she's been abused -- She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused." "And the government for which she stands Is scandalized throughout the land. And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin, But she's in good shape for the shape she's in. 'Cause she's been through the fire before And I believe she can take a whole lot more." "So we raise her up every morning, Take her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground And we fold her up right. On second thought I DO like to brag, 'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag." Submitted by Beverly Hutchings, McMinnville, Tennessee. hutchings@blomand.net Beverly adds this P.S. This is to my knowledge the only poem ever written by Johnny Cash that was not intended to be sung. He has performed this a number of times at the "Pops Goes the Fourth" concerts in Boston on the 4th of July. His book *Man In Black* reveals the inspiration behind it. Hope everyone else enjoys this as much as I do. 76

78 The Republic from "The Building of the Ship" Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State! Sail on, O Union, strong and great! Humanity with all its fears, With all the hopes of future years, Is hanging breathless on the fate! We know what Master laid the keel, What Workmen wrought thy ribs of steel, who made each mast, and sail, and rope, What anvils rang, what hammers beat, In what forge and what a heat Were shaped the anchors of thy hope! Fear not each sudden sound and shock, 'Tis of the wave and not the rock; 'Tis but the flapping of the sail, and not a rent made by the gale! In spite of rock and tempest's roar, In spite of false lights on the shore, Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea! Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee, Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, Our faith triumphant o'er our fears, Are all with thee, - are all with thee! Is the American Flag Alive? The next time you drive by that car dealership with the hundred foot flag pole, look up and be sure to notice, the graceful maneuvers of the flag. Some days she looks like a feather blown about with every wind of doctrine. Some days she looks as though she is shadow boxing, ducking and dodging, throwing out violent jabs and uppercuts, popping and kicking with each gust of wind. Millions salute her, pledge allegiance to her; thousands lay to rest under her, while their loved ones cry over her. So, ask yourself what is so special about this dyed nylon rectangle with a bunch of symbolic stars and stripes sewn on it? What is the flags purpose? What exactly does it represent? Well, the simple answer is, too each his own. For me, SHE represents my entitlement to raise my children in the admonition of the Lord without controversy. For me, she gives me the right to pursue happiness and the privilege to enjoy it once I catch it. For me, she symbolizes a solid foundation in which my family can build a life that's more than abundant. For me, the flags purpose is to build unity in the bond of peace. She also functions as a warning to others who want to steal that peace. For me, the flag represents the finer things of life Football, Twinkies (with extra yellow #5) and Harley Davidson. As I said earlier, too each his own my lifestyle is a little more fast paced then that guy who wrote that patriotic song, baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet. The federal government already gave us our answer to my original question; Title 4 Section 8(j); The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. Is the American Flag alive? Well, for this zealous Patriot; For me, the answer is a definitive YES! John Wayne - American Patriot John Wayne had a deep love for his country. This patriotism is reflected throughout his life. He had wanted to go into the military but an old football injury prevented it. He is quoted as saying, "More than anything else, I wanted to go to Annapolis and become an officer in the Navy. It was a terrible disappointment when I didn't make it." The American public may have lost the chance at a great officer but John Wayne never failed us. He worked with the USO (United Service Organization) in supporting US troops from WW2 through to Vietnam. His visits cheered and encouraged many a young service man. Duke wore Capt. Stephen P Hanson's "Prisoner of War" bracelet after the Marine was shot down over Laos, Vietnam. Sadly, Hanson never came home but John Wayne stayed in contact with his wife and young son. June 20, John Wayne signs Pvt. 1st class Fonsell Wofford's helmet during visit to the 3rd battalion 7th Marines at Chu Lai. 77

79 John Wayne never shied away from politics. He actively spoke out for the candidates he thought were best including Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. He honorably held for 3 years the position of president of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals. John Wayne had many honors bestowed on him. During a visit to Vietnam in 1966 he was given a tribal bracelet of the Montagnard people. In 1973 he was honored with the Veterans of Foreign Wars highest award - The National Americanism Gold Medal. Congress awarded Duke the Congressional Gold Medal in Most recently John Wayne has been honored with an Army RAH-66 Helicopter, to be named "The Duke." Many were there at the naming ceremony in Washington D.C. on May 12, 1998, including his children and grandchildren, congress men, the president of the USO Metropolitan Washington, dignitaries and many military personnel. Michael Wayne said at the ceremonies, "John Wayne loved his country and he loved its traditions." John Wayne once said, "Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been and never will be." John Wayne's Bracelets John Wayne had 2 significant bracelets, both of which came out of the war in Vietnam. They were symbols of remembrance, loyalty and patriotism. This is the story of Duke's bracelets. We first learned of Capt. Stephen P Hanson while watching a TV special on John Wayne. The story was a very moving one-about a young soldier in the Vietnam War who sent his wife and young son a picture of himself with the caption "Me as John Wayne." That man along with others in his crew would never return home. John Wayne wore Capt. Hanson's POW/MIA bracelet. John Wayne kept in touch throughout his life with Capt. Hanson's wife and son. One letter Duke wrote to Hanson's boy when he was older said, "I wish you wonderful life. Just don't expect too much out of it and you'll have some wonderful years. That's my sermon from the mount this year, Todd. Give 'em hell." *** John Wayne always supported the men in uniform. Due to a football injury he was never able to serve in the military, even though he made a special tip to Washington to ask to be able to serve. When they declined, John Wayne turned his energies to ways in which he could help. He made films for the War dept. during WWII. The Duke was very active with the USO visiting the troops from WWII to Vietnam. His film, "The Green Berets" was Duke's tribute to those who served. He once told his wife, "Honey, someone has to stand up for those guys." John Wayne went on several moral boosting tours to Vietnam. He never shied away from "hot zones" and instead of having separate quarters, he ate and stayed with the troops. During one trip Duke spent 6 weeks in Vietnam visiting the troops, encouraging the soldiers and signing helmets. During this visit he was given a "Yard" bracelet by the Montagnard People of Vietnam. The silver bracelet was presented to him by a Montagnard Strike Force led by a U.S. Special Forces A- Team. The Montagnard bracelet is a symbol of friendship and respect. If you are interested in learning more about the Montagnard People who presented John Wayne with his "Yard" bracelet please click on the banner below. A letter from Duke regarding the bracelet is posted on their website, on the Bracelet page. Funds from the sales of these silver bracelets go to help save these hill tribes, who were our allies in Vietnam. "Save The Montagnard People" was founded in 1986 by U.S. Special Forces veterans of the Vietnam War. 78

80 America, Why I Love Her This best-selling recording was performed by the legendary John Wayne. It's finally available as Dukeï ½s spoken-word CD of poetry, written by Big John Mitchum. It's a must-have for all patriotic Americans, film buffs, collectors and poetry fans. Album features the following tracks / songs: 1. America - Why I Love Her 2. The Hyphen 3. Mis Raices Estan Aqui 4. The People 5. An American Boy Grows Up 6. Face The Flag 7. The Good Things 8. The Pledge of Allegiance 9. Why are you Marching, Son? 10. Taps Why are you Marching, Son? Why Are You Marching, Son? I'd really like to know! Is it because of Valley Forge, or perhaps the Alamo? Or, "One if by land--two if by sea," A trumpet's call...the will to be free? And what of a man who stood straight and tall, Who wept silent tears when he saw brave men fall? No matter--no difference--the blue or the gray, All were his brothers...how often he'd pray. And what of Antietam--that now peaceful stream Where the water, blood-red, glittered and gleamed? Appomattox... Chickamauga.. Vicksburg... Bull Run... Cumberland...Gettysburg...and then Washington. Why Are You Marching, Son? In Flanders Fields, how proud were they Whose forms beneath the poppies lay. Men who saw Verdun... And died at the Marne...Soissons... And those who tried the fearful foe at Chateau-Thierry, Who fought and bled...whose hearts grew weary, But in whose minds one thought kept churning-- That the torch of liberty keep burning. Why Are You Marching, Son? The planes swarmed in, and the rising sun Glowed fiercely on the evil done To men whose blood runs through our veins, Men who died, and whose remains Life forever locked in waters deep. Now, is it right that they should sleep While the warm sea laps at a twisted hull And see the torch of liberty grow dull? Anzio... Cassino... and the Po! St. Mere Eglise... Le Mans...St. Lo! Gardelegen... Buchenwald... On and on the roll is called! And why?... Why Are You Marching, Son? 79

81 Bugles shrilled in the frozen night, And at first dawn, the awful sight Of seas of men...row after row, Left to die on blood-stained snow! Pusan... Pyongyang... Suwan... Kyongju! And blood-red ran the swift Yalu! In South Vietnam the big guns roared, And once again we fought a war To honor a pledge our nation gave To help that little country save Her people from the certainty That she'd be ruled by tyranny. No matter where the big guns roar, Our fighting men, like those before, Take the torch we all hold dear And face freedom's enemies without fear. Our fathers died from sea to sea, And blessed the torch of liberty. Why?...Why Are You Marching, Son? An American Boy Grows Up Performed by John Wayne Our son was born so long ago yet it seems like yesterday that I stood, awed, before his crib and heard the doctor say "You've quite a boy there, Mr. Jones" I could only answer with a nod, for his very being there I saw a miracle of God. Later in his high chair, in a manner I deplore I saw the miracle of God throw his oatmeal on the floor I fixed him something different, for I felt he must be fed but when I turned around again, that bowl was on his head. A few more years rolled along and he didn't spill things anymore but his granddad sent a big bass drum and once more I deplored the fact that my miracle of God had a lusty taste for noise. When he boom boom boom on that big bass drum I questioned...boys must be boys I asked his whereabouts one day his mom said he's got a paper route said he'd help earn his way as he became an Eagle Scout. 80 When they pinned that medal on him tears welled in my eyes and I gripped his mother's hand our boy had earned his prize I won't forget that September day when he entered senior high he had nary great excitement but he left home with a sigh he came back that afternoon and gave us some puzzled looks "Wow", he said, "This school is tough...look at all these books" "Choice is yours", his mother said. You can pick the easy way... what you put into life you get out of it. Each man pays his price one day He looked up and then he smiled. I saw he'd lost his gloom He said, I'd better look at these"...headed for his room. My son came home late one day...he seemed all worn out

82 I asked a little sharply what this was all about. He spoke proudly and threw his shoulders back in his eyes, I caught a gleam. "I wanted to surprise you, dad I'm on the football team". They won most of their games...lost a few. Was a thrill to watch them play When they didn't win, we knew he met the challenge anyway. he didn't know it at the time, but it was a stepping stone solid footing for the time he'd face life on his own. How those three years flew past when graduation came, we saw our boy grown up at last our lives would never be the same. I guess we've known all along what his goal would be from that time three years ago when he chose responsibility He stood in the doorway yesterday put out a strong right hand...i held back tears a uniformed boy to protect his land. I shook his hand His mother cried, "Son, why couldn't you wait" embracing her, he softly said, "Mom, well. it would be too late I promise I'll go back to school when I've met my obligation to you, my friends, my girl, my school and most of all, this nation I'll do all I can out there... I know you'll both be trying to make everyone you know aware we...we got to keep Old Glory flying" and then his mother straightened up with a smile to hide a tear she said, "We're both so proud of you we'll feel lost without you here'. Someday, you'll know what this moment means when your boy shakes your hand you'll watch him as he walks away the day he becomes a man. Mis Raices Estan Aqui!... On a trail drive from Texas, down by the Rio Grande, We drove past the Medina to a dry and bitter land Where before the longhorns streamed along, grass range once was there. Now we herded them in silence with a feeling of despair! The day was hot... the wind was dry, and the mesquite barred the way. The maguey and the cactus tried to drain our lives away. We came up to a ranch house dying in the desert sun, Looked the old spread over and couldn't see anyone. Then from the ranch house a man stepped out. He was old beyond his years... A viejo caballero whose eyes filled up with tears. "I have nothing for you, Senores," he said. "My hacienda's empty now. There was a time..." He shook his head and gave a gentle bow. I asked him why he'd stayed on in a place where hope was dead. He looked up at me and his face grew soft, and this is what he said: "Mis Raices Estan Aqui!... My Roots Are Buried Here!" Now, I've punched cattle from the Rio Grande to the cold Montana plains, And I've pushed 'em through New Mexico and through Arizona rains. 81

83 I've seen ranchers hanging on when it's been forty-five below-- And the thought's always crossed my mind as to why they just don't go To a place where life is easier and where nature's not so hard... And then the past comes floating back, and I'm in that viejo's yard. I think of him and his quiet pride and of the things that he has done, And I know that if men battle back at the snow or the broiling sun, They'll live their responsibilities to the land that they love best. America will proudly stand and in her vigil will not rest, For no matter what may lie ahead, the answers loud and clear: "Mis Raices Estan Aqui!... My Roots Are Buried Here!" A Lesson for Americans by Mike Dalka My Grandfather was a glider infantryman in WWII, an advisor in Korea, and lost one of his sons, my uncle Gary Edwards, in Vietnam. I worked in his auto repair station during high school and he flew his flag in front daily. One day while I was sweeping the oil dry out of the bays it began to sprinkle rain. He told me to go get the flag and I said "gimme a second." He said, "It is raining, go get the flag NOW." Well I popped off my mouth about how he should cool it, it isn't going to melt or some such typical teenage comment. My grandfather is the toughest man I've ever met. He explained once that he thought basic training was some sort of country club during WWII, because he was used to hard work anyway, and at home he didn't have indoor toilets or hot running water! And when I said whatever it was that I said to him, he turned deep crimson and I thought, "God save me, he's going to kill me for talking back." Instead tears welled up in his eyes and he squeaked out "You don't understand what this family has paid for the right to fly that flag." Then he turned his back on me and went out and got the flag. I just stood there feeling like the smallest person to ever live. Those words cut me so deep. I wish the entire country could have heard them. [ I ] hope that this Nation might yet have enough people who understand the cost of liberty to turn things around. 82

84 9.04 Letters Presented here are a few letters that I have gathered together that are sure to stir a patriotic heart Lincoln letter to Mrs. Bixby. Letter of June 24, 1826, from Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman, declining to attend the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Recollections of the Boston Tea Party by George R. T. Hewes Letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush by Thomas Jefferson concerning the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Letter to Martha by George Washington Letter from a Navy Pilot - Battle of Midway, Anonymous Last Words to Her Fourteen-Year-Old Son by Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, Mother of Andrew Jackson November 21, 1864 Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Massachusetts. Abraham Lincoln: Letter to Mrs. Bixby Dear Madam: I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln Note: This letter was written by the President at the request of the Governor of Massachusetts to a Boston mother who had lost five sons in combat. The letter was delivered on November 25, Later research revealed that she had not lost that many offspring, but the message remains, nonetheless a valued expression of love of country. The letter reflects Lincoln s unique ability to pin down the emotions of the moment. It stands as a monument in American literature. 83

85 Letter of June 24, 1826, from Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman declining to attend the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the District of Columbia (Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman) Monticello, June 24, 1826 Respected Sir- The kind invitation I receive from you, on the part of the citizens of the city of Washington, to be present with them at their celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of American Independence, as one of the surviving signers of an instrument pregnant with our own, and the fate of the world, is most flattering to myself, and heightened by the honorable accompaniment proposed for the comfort of such a journey. It adds sensibly to the sufferings of sickness, to be deprived by it of a personal participation in the rejoicings of that day. But acquiescence is a duty, under circumstances not placed among those we are permitted to control. I should, indeed, with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there congratulations personally with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies, who joined with us on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we were to make for our country, between submission or the sword; and to have enjoyed with them the consolatory fact, that our fellow citizens, after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made. May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them. I will ask permission here to express the pleasure with which I should have met my ancient neighbors of the city of Washington and its vicinities, with whom I passed so many years of a pleasing social intercourse; an intercourse which so much relieved the anxieties of the public cares, and left impressions so deeply engraved in my affections, as never to be forgotten. With my regret that ill health forbids me the gratification of an acceptance, be pleased to receive for yourself, and those for whom you write, the assurance of my highest respect and friendly attachments. Th. Jefferson Jefferson's letter to Weightman is considered one of the sublime exaltations of individual and national liberty -- Jefferson's vision of the Declaration of Independence and the American nation as signals to the world of the blessings of self-government. This was the last letter written by Jefferson, who died ten days later, on July 4, Coincidentally, John Adams, another great defender of liberty, died on the same day. Recollections of the Boston Tea Party by George R. T. Hewes I dressed myself in the costume of an Indian, equipped with a small hatchet, which I and my associates denominated the tomahawk, with which, and a club, after having painted my face and hands with coal dust in the shop of a blacksmith, I repaired to Griffin's wharf, where the ships lay that contained the tea. When I first appeared in the street after being thus disguised, I fell in with many who were dressed, equipped and painted as I was, and who fell in with me and marched in order to the place of our destination. When we arrived at the wharf, there were three of our number who assumed an authority to direct our operations, to which we readily submitted. They divided us into three parties, for the purpose of boarding the three ships which contained the tea at the same time. The name of him who commanded the division to which I was assigned was Leonard Pitt. The names of the other commanders I never knew. We were immediately ordered by the respective commanders to board all the ships at the same time, which we promptly obeyed. The commander of the division to which I belonged, as soon as we were on board the ship, appointed me boatswain, and ordered me to go to the captain and demand of him the keys to the hatches and a dozen candles. I made the demand accordingly, and the captain promptly replied, and 84

86 delivered the articles; but requested me at the same time to do no damage to the ship or rigging. We then were ordered by our commander to open the hatches and take out all the chests of tea and throw them overboard, and we immediately proceeded to execute his orders, first cutting and splitting the chests with our tomahawks, so as thoroughly to expose them to the effects of the water. In about three hours from the time we went on board, we had thus broken and thrown overboard every tea chest to be found in the ship, while those in the other ships were disposing of the tea in the same way, at the same time. We were surrounded by British armed ships, but no attempt was made to resist us. We then quietly retired to our several places of residence, without having any conversation with each other, or taking any measures to discover who were our associates; nor do I recollect of our having had the knowledge of the name of a single individual concerned in that affair, except that of Leonard Pitt, the commander of my division, whom I have mentioned. There appeared to be an understanding that each individual should volunteer his services, keep his own secret, and risk the consequence for himself. No disorder took place during that transaction, and it was observed at that time that the stillest night ensued that Boston had enjoyed for many months. Letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush by Thomas Jefferson I wish to mention to you in confidence that I have obtained authority from Congress to undertake the long desired object of exploring the Missouri & whatever river, heading with that, leads into the Western ocean. About 10 chosen woodsmen headed by Capt. Lewis my secretary will set out on it immediately & probably accomplish it in two seasons. It would be very useful to state for him those objects on which it is most desirable he should bring us information. For this purpose I ask the favor of you to prepare some notes of such particulars as may occur in his journey & which you think should draw his attention & enquiry. He will be in Philadelphia about 2 or 3 weeks hence & will wait on you. Letter to Martha by George Washington It has been determined in Congress, that the whole army raised for the defense of the American cause shall be put under my care, and that it is necessary for me to proceed immediately to Boston to take upon me the command of it. You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you in the most solemn manner that, so far from seeking this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity, and that I should enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at home than I have the most distant prospect of finding abroad... It was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment, without exposing my character to such censure as would have reflected dishonor upon myself, and have given pain to my friends... I shall rely, therefore, confidently on that Providence which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you in the fall. 85

87 Letter from a Navy Pilot - Battle of Midway Anonymous The Fates have been kind to me. When you hear people saying harsh things about American youth, you will know how wrong they all are. So many times that now they have become commonplace, I've seen incidents that make me know that we were never soft, never weak. Many of my friends are now dead. To a man, each died with a nonchalance that each would have denied was courage, but simply called a lack of fear and forgot the triumph. If anything great or good has been born of this war, it should be valued in the youth of our country, who were never trained for war, who almost never believed in war, but who have, from some hidden source, brought forth a gallantry which is homespun, it is so real. Out here between the spaceless sea and sky, American youth has found itself, and given of itself, so that a spark may catch, burst into flame, and burn high. If our country takes these sacrifices with indifference it will be the cruelest ingratitude the world has ever known. You will, I know, do all in your power to help others keep the faith. My luck can't last much longer. But the flame goes on and only that is important. Last Words to Her Fourteen-Year-Old Son by Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson Mother of Andrew Jackson Andrew, if I should not see you again, I wish you to remember and treasure up some things I have already said to you. In this world you will have to make your own way. To do that you must have friends. You can make friends by being honest and you can keep them by being steadfast. You must keep in mind that friends worth having will in the long run expect as much from you as they give to you. To forget an obligation or be ungrateful for a kindness is a base crime, not merely a fault or a sin, but an actual crime. Men guilty of it sooner or later must suffer the penalty. In personal conduct be always polite but never obsequious. None will respect you more than you respect yourself. Avoid quarrels as long as you can without yielding to imposition. But sustain your manhood always. Never bring a suit in law for assault and battery or for defamation. The law affords no remedy for such outrages that can satisfy the feelings of a true man. Never wound the feelings of others. Never brook wanton outrage upon your own feelings. If you ever have to vindicate your feelings or defend your honor, do it calmly. If angry at first, wait till your wrath cools before you proceed. 86

88 Chapter 10 Patriot Scoutmaster Minutes 10.1 Flag Day 10.2 Independence Day 10.3 Our Flag and Our Oath 10.4 Respect for the Flag 10.5 On Patriotism 10.6 Freedom for What? 10.1 Flag Day Who can tell me what day falls on June 14th? That's right it's Flag Day. Another question, why do we celebrate Flag Day on June 14th. Because it was on that day in 1777 we got our first official US Flag. The Continental Congress which made the laws in those days, specified that the flag would have 13 stripes, alternating red and white, and 13 white stars on a blue field. But that was all the description they gave. If you remember your flag history, the result was that a lot of different flags appeared during the Revolutionary War. You can see pictures of some of them in your handbook. It wasn't until 1912, 135 years later, that the flag became standardized. It's not very important that you know a lot about our flags history. What is important though, is that you are aware that our flag was born very soon after we became an independent nation, and that millions of men and women have fought for the flag as our symbol of freedom. That's why I hope that if your family owns a US Flag, you will fly it proudly on Flag Day this year. In that way, we can show our pride as Americans and our determination to live as free men Independence Day Everybody loves the Fourth of July. In many communities it's a time for parades, fireworks, ball games and picnics. Real fun! But we ought not to forget what the Fourth of July really is - the birthday of our country - because that's when the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, over 200 years ago. Here's a trick question for you. How many stars were in the US flag on the first Fourth of July? You're probably going to say 13, because there were 13 colonies in America then, but that's wrong. In fact, there weren't any stars in the flag. The colonists were using the Grand Union Flag, which used the British union symbol and 13 red and white stripes. You can see a picture of it in your Official Boy Scout Handbook. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress replaced the British symbols of the Grand Union flag with a new design featuring 13 white stars in a circle on a field of blue and 13 red and white stripes one for each state. Since then, stars have been added each time states have joined the union. Today we honor this emblem of our country with its 50 stars and 13 stripes because it is the symbol of the nation's unity. We use flag ceremonies so often that it's easy to forget what the flag means and what the Fourth of July means in this country's history. Now as we continue with this retirement of national symbol let us think about the brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence and the love of country they passed on to us. 87

89 10.3 Our Flag and Our Oath Have you noticed the strong bond between our flag and our Scout Oath? Lend me your attention as I tell you about it. One of the colors in our flag is white. It is the symbol of purity, of perfection. It is like the first point of our Scout Oath, our duty to God. (Light the red candle.) The color red in our flag denotes sacrifice and courage, the qualities of the founders of our country. Red is the symbol of the second part of the Scout Oath, too. Our duty to other people requires courage to help anyone in trouble and the self-sacrifice of putting others first. (Light the blue candle.) Blue is the color of faith. It represents the faith of our founding fathers and reminds us of the third part of the Scout Oath. Our duty to ourselves requires us to be true blue, to be strong in character and principle, to live a life of faith in the importance of being good. Scouts, rise! Let's have lights out, please. Now, Scout sign. Let us dedicate ourselves with our Scout Oath Respect for the Flag (Have one red, one white and one blue piece of cloth and a US flag.) What is our flag? You might say it's a piece of cloth. Would that be right? Well, it's true that these pieces of cloth could make a US flag, but then we would have more than a piece of cloth, wouldn't we? What is our flag then? It's a symbol of our country, of the principle for which we stand. It's a guarantee of protection and security for us. And isn't it a thrill to see our flag flying at the top of a tall staff? The blue in our flag is a symbol of faith and loyalty - the faith and loyalty of our country's founders. The red in our flag denotes sacrifice, the sacrifices made to establish our nation. The white of her stars and alternate stripes stands for purity of heart and mind. Yes the colors stand for bravery, loyalty and purity. Is there anything in these pieces of cloth by themselves that demands our respect? No. They could be made into an apron just as easily as a flag. We could mop the floor with them or wipe our shoes with them. But the flag these pieces of cloth could make represents our great nation and everything the United States stands for. That's why, Scouts, we give our flag the respect and loyalty that we owe the United States of America On Patriotism True patriotism is more than getting a lump in your throat when the flag passes by. It involves determination on your part to see that America remains free. It involves your willingness to put the best interest of the nation ahead of your own self-interest. Single interests may be important. But the art of democracy is the ability to recognize the common good. The ability to give and not just to take. 316 million people can pull our nation apart or pull it together. Which way did you pull today? 10.6 Freedom for What? We've been talking about the Constitution and the freedom it gives us as citizens. But how free are we? What does freedom mean? Does it mean we can do anything that we want? I think we will agree that the answer is no. Freedom of speech for example, does mean that we can go into a crowded theater and yell "Fire!" And freedom certainly doesn't mean that we can steal from people or assault them without fear of being arrested, tried, and perhaps thrown into jail. As somebody once said, "Your freedom to swing your fist ends just beyond the tip of my nose." 88

90 So what does freedom mean in the sense of the Constitution? It means, I believe that we are free to live according to the laws of God, free to worship as we choose, to speak and write the truth as we see it, to choose our life's work, and to travel where we want to go - and to grant the same rights to others. The Constitution does not give us unlimited rights to act without regard to other people. But it does guarantee us the right to live as free men in a society whose citizens are equal in the eyes of the law. 89

91 Chapter 11 Patriotic Ceremony Scripts 11.1 Opening Colors 11.2 Closing Colors 11.3 Flag Folding Ceremony 11.4 Flag Retirement Ceremony 11.5 Scouts Salute America Day 11.1 Opening Colors - Scout-a-Rama Script Color Guard, Attention! (**when commanding the color guard, say the word attention in an authoritative way like, Aaa-tennnn-TION!!!! this will also help the audience realize that the flag ceremony is starting**) Audience, Please Rise! Color Guard, Forward March! Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart. (**say this right away, as the audience will salute the flag as its being marched forward**) (>>wait for color guard to reach the front<<) Color Guard, Halt! Color Guard, Cross the Colors! (>>wait for flag bearers to move to the flag pole stands<<) Color Guard, Post the Flag of the United States of America! Color Guard, Post the Flag of the Great State of [your state name]! Color Guard, Proudly Post the Flag of [your town name] s Unit ###! Color Guard, Honor your Colors! (**Flag bearers salute the US flag**) Please recite the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance - to the Flag - of the United States of America - And to the Republic - for which it stands - One Nation - Under God Indivisible - and with Liberty and Justice for All READY TWO! (**Everyone drops salute**) Scout Sign! (**Everyone raises right hand making the Scout sign**) Please join us in saying the Scout Promise: I,..., promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the law of the Pack. READY TWO! (**Everyone drops Scout sign**) Color Guard, return to ranks. ( >>wait for flag bearers return to formation<<) Color Guard, About Face! (**Color guard turns around to head back**) Color Guard, Forward March! (>>wait until color guard reaches back of room<<) Color Guard, Halt! Color Guard, At Ease! Audience, Please be seated Closing Colors Color Guard, Attention! Audience, Please Rise! 90

92 Color Guard, Forward March! (>>wait for color guard to reach the front<<) Color Guard, Halt! Scout Salute! Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors! (>>wait for flag bearers to pick up their flags<<) Color Guard, Return to Ranks! (>>wait for flag bearers to return to formation<<) Color Guard, About Face! Color Guard, Forward March! (>>wait until color guard reaches back of room<<) Color Guard, Halt! READY TWO! Audience, Thank you for joining us. Color Guard, Dismissed! Equipment / Preparation Flags - US, plus State & Unit if available Flag stands (placed at front of room) Comment: We wanted more formal flag ceremonies to use at our Blue & Gold banquet, and developed this script. Our Bear Den needed significant rehearsal time to get them ready, but can handle this level of detail with preparation. Boy Scouts should be able to handle the script easily. We also used power point slides on a screen, so that the whole audience could participate in the Cub Scout Promise. Some things that can be added or changed for your situation: Add flag of your Chartering Organization (between State and Unit flags); In closing ceremony, issue commands to retrieve the flags one at a time (reverse order from posting, so US flag is last retrieved), instead of as a single "retrieve the colors" command; In opening ceremony: include Cub Scout Law, change to Boy Scout Oath & Law include OA charge; etc. Note about the "cross the colors" command: The US Flag is always on its own RIGHT - so when marching in, it will be the rightmost flag in the line. But, when posted at the front of the room, it still needs to be on its own RIGHT, but now from the perspective of facing the audience from the podium/front. This command is used in the opening ceremony to get the flags from the color guard formation to their appropriate flag stands, and the flag bearers need to cross to the opposite side as they do this. You could alternatively omit this statement, and just have each flag move from the formation to the flag stand as each is called out to be posted individually Flag Folding Ceremony The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies. Here is a typical sequence of the reading: (Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward). The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform. 91

93 In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body. (Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.) The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. The third fold is made 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 times 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 sixth 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 to 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 in to 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 father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our 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." (Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.) 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 Flag Folding Ceremony The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies. Here is a typical sequence of the reading: (Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward). The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform. 92

94 In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body. (Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.) The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. The third fold is made 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 times 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 sixth 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 to 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. 93

95 The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to 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 characters of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our 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." (Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.) 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. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you ll see flags folded and now you will know why. Special Note: If the flag is folded as part of a Military Honors Funeral with a Rifle Squad, the Unit Leader will while the flag is being folded, go and collect three spent rounds, one from each of the three volleys fired, and place them into the three corners of the folded flag. They will then inspect it and ceremoniously rotate the flag before receiving the flag for presentation to the family. 94

96 11.4 Flag Retirement Ceremony Adult Leader: The U.S. flag is more than just some brightly colored cloth, it is a symbol of our nation. Scout #1: Seven red stripes and six white strips; together they represent the original 13 colonies that gained us liberty. Scout #2: The red stripes remind us of the lifeblood of brave men and women who were ready to die for this, their country. Scout #3: The white stripes remind us of purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed. Scout #4: The blue is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens. Scout #5: The stars represent the fifty sovereign states of our union. Adult Leader or SPL: The U.S. flag should be treated with respect when it's flying, and it should be treated with respect when it's being retired. Scout #6: The American Creed states, "It is my duty to my country to love it, to respect its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies." Scout #7: Therefore, we retire flags with dignity and respect when they become worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled. Adult Leader or SPL: This flag is ready to be retired. Its history is as follows: o First Raised (when): o At (location): o Memorable event or fact that happened while she flew: Scout #8: A flag ceases to be a flag when it is cut into pieces. We cut the flag into four pieces: three red and white striped banners and the blue star field. We leave the blue field intact because no one should ever let the union be broken. Adult Leader or SPL: As the parts of the flag are placed in the fire remember, Old Flags never die, they just get fired up! The Scouts will maintain a vigil over the fire until no traces of the flag remnants remain. Then the ashes will be collected and buried. This concludes this ceremony. Thank you for attending Flag Retiring Ceremony Lower the colors or unfold the flag. Tear off stripes one at a time, (we had to cut) saying one statement with each stripe. Our flag has been used so much, that it is no longer a fitting emblem to display, so we are respectfully burning it. FIRST STRIPE: The 13 stripes stand for the original 13 colonies which are: Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. SECOND STRIPE: The white stands for purity THIRD STRIPE: The red stands for courage FOURTH STRIPE: "Give me liberty or give me death" FIFTH STRIPE: "One if by land, two if the sea" SIXTH STRIPE: We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America. SEVENTH STRIPE: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. EIGHTH STRIPE; Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof 95

97 NINTH STRIPE; Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or press. TENTH STRIPE; "Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth to this continent a new nation." ELEVENTH STRIPE; The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. TWELFTH STRIPE; "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." THIRTEENTH STRIPE; "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Each state is being represented by a star on a field of blue, which signifies a new constellation being formed. As we place it into the fire, let it burn brightly and remind us how truly our flag represents our country. Will you please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance and sing The Star Spangled Banner and then Taps Flag Retiring Ceremony Display the old flag, give its history, if known. Also recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Respect paid to the old flag -- read aloud I AM OLD GLORY I am old glory; for more the ten score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans. Born amid the first flames of America's fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of 13 colonies to a united nation of 50 sovereign states. Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith, my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions. Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage. They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity. They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men. So long as men love liberty more than life itself, so long as they treasure the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America. Explain to the ensemble what will happen next, and a little word or two about it. Taps are hummed slowly while the flag is cut up. The ABSOLUTE SILENCE. Color Guard cuts the field of blue stars out of the flag, with solemnity a quiet. This field of blue is put onto the fire first. The stripes are laid into the fire when the stars are almost fully consumed. There is absolute silence until the entire flag is completely consumed by the flames. Then the color guard, with meaning, says, 'OUR FLAG - REST IN PEACE." Group says together: Pledge of Allegiance then sing America (my Country Tis of Thee) Color of the flag: Remember as you look at your Flag, which is the symbol of our nation, that it is red because of human sacrifice. It is blue because of the true blue loyalty of its defenders. It is white to symbolize liberty -our land of the free. The stars are symbols of the united efforts and hope in the hearts of many people striving for a greater nobler America. Hold the Flag Up: Optional - at this point, each person in the audience or participating in the ceremony, may state what the Flag means to them. Sing: Another appropriate song may be sung (optional) 96

98 Procedure for Flag Retiring: (a pair of large sharp scissors should be on hand) Take the flag and unfold. Place stars (as audience sees it) in the upper left hand corner. (One minute of silent meditation may be inserted if desired). COMPLETE SILENCE Then cut (do not tear) the position of the blue containing the stars from the flag. Have one person hold the blue in her arms until the end of the ceremony because the blue and stars is the last part of the flag to be burned. Now tear one stripe off at a time, burn it in the fire by laying it across the flames; not in a lump. Burn each stripe thoroughly before tearing off the next stripe to be burned. After all the stripes have been burned, one at a time, then the blue and stars is ready to be burned. BEFORE the blue and stars is spread across the fire, the blue portion should be KISSED for respect by the person holding the blue throughout the ceremony. The portion is then laid, as a whole piece and not torn in any way, across the fire and all is quiet until the last speck of blue turns to ash. Sing - Star Spangled Banner; or other appropriate song. End of the ceremony should be followed by a silent dismissal. If the flag to be burned is small or there is more than one flag to be burned at a time, the flag may (but not necessarily advised unless due to lack of time or shear numbers) be laid as a whole unit across the fire. Lay the flag over the middle, then toss the corners into the middle. Do not add another flag until the previous flag is completed burned. This can be done also if the first flag is cut and burned as describe above, and another laid across the first one at a time. Nothing should ever be added to the ceremonial fire after the Flag has been burned (out of respect). The next morning the scouts that actually burned the flag and their leader will gather the ashes to be burned. This could be included as the last step in the ceremony if the wanted all of those in attendance to participate. A hole is dug, the dirt placed carefully beside it and the ashes are placed into the hole by handfuls. Fill the hole back up with dirt, a marker can be placed. At the beginning of the ceremony the speaker should say who the flag grommets will be given to. They are a form of good luck can be carried or worn around the neck of the person who receives one. If the ashes are neatly out, they can be carried to the burial site in a box, if the ashes are still hot, a bucket could be used, then place by shovels-full into the hole. A Scout's Own could be an appropriate ending for your Flag burning ceremony Scouts Salute America Day This brief ceremony was presented in front of rd-5th grade students. With the support and blessing of the school principal, the teachers led their students out to stand around the flag pole after attendance was taken. Our uniformed Scouts stood at attention during this presentation, and then the Webelos raised the flag at the appointed time, and then the whole school joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Wow! I had goosebumps! I received a lot of compliments from the teachers and parents (it was Election Day, and the school is one of the voting locations). We helped to point out that freedom is not free. And although we are individually different, we stand together as one nation, under God. It was very moving, and received a strong round of applause. The Ceremony: Scouts Salute America Day Good morning. We thank you for joining the members of Cub Scout Pack 122 in a special tribute to America, the greatest country on the planet. What makes America so great? There are a few simple words with boundless influences. 97

99 The first is Freedom. It is the cornerstone of American values. The concept of an individual's having control over his/her own destiny influenced the type of government that was established here. Individual rights are guaranteed in the United States Constitution and amendments including the freedoms of speech, religion, the right to assemble, to keep and bear arms, and the right to a speedy trial. Next would be Democracy, one of the most fundamental of American values. It was the reason for revolution, and comprises the heart of our political culture, where the common people are considered as the primary source of political power. Then comes Equality. We believe in the ideal, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, that "all men are created equal." Another would be Diversity. America's population reflects remarkable ethnic diversity. More than 20 percent of the populations of Los Angeles and New York were born in another country. As such, America has been enriched by the values and beliefs of people and cultures from virtually every part of the world. Our population includes people of various faiths and religions, varying degrees of education and wealth, and of different political persuasions. But we are all Americans. And anyone, at least in principle, can become an American. And in fact, anyone does. People come here from everywhere with a yearning to breathe free, and soon enough they are as American as anyone whose family came over on the Mayflower. Opportunity. Early successes by pioneers gave an optimism about the future, a belief that problems could be solved. This positive spirit enables us to take risks in areas where others might only dream, and has resulted in tremendous advances in technology, health and science. Our economic greatness comes from capitalism, the economic extension of individual freedom to try, to fail, or to succeed on one's own merits or the merits of one's thinking, with as little intervention from government as possible. Unity. Although we are all very different, we are together as one; a nation of people, tolerant and accepting of our individual differences, joining together to become one nation, under God. It is appropriate, in this month of Thanksgiving and recognition and remembrance of service veterans, that the Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting programs mark this day with a salute to America, to the rights and freedoms which have been established, defended, and preserved. We salute the civil and defense servicemen and servicewomen who support the values and freedoms of life in America. We salute the flag, the symbol of our great country, as we raise her proudly. Scout Salute Recite poem below, excerpts from "Face the Flag", during the raising of the flag. Face the flag of stars and bars Of red and white and blue. A flag that guarantees the rights For a people like me and you. Face the flag friends, read what's written there; The history, the progress, and the heritage we share. Our flag reflects the past, but stands for so much more, And in this age of Aquarius, it still flies in the fore. It leads the forward movement, shared by all mankind; To learn, to love, to live with peace of mind, To learn the mysteries of space as well as those of Earth, To love each person for what they are regardless of their birth, 98

100 To live without the fear of reprisal for belief, To ease the tensions of a world that cries out for relief. Face the flag of stars and bars Of red and white and blue. Scouts, two We Americans experience the greatest freedoms, rights and privileges of any country on earth. As citizens of this great republic, we need to not only embrace our rights and freedoms but also our social, moral and public responsibilities. Participate in your government. Let your voice be heard today by exercising your right to vote. And thank daily those that have sacrificed to provide you freedoms, independence, and spirit. America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Please join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance Thank you for coming and sharing our salute to America. 99

101 Chapter 12 Patriotic Service Projects and Activities 12.1 A fitting Eagle Project 12.2 Erect Flag Pole, collect and conduct Flag Retirement Ceremony 12.1 A fitting Eagle Project: Some cemeteries have a map of know veteran s grave sites, one scout made his Eagle project the challenge of locating, clear and mapping each veteran s grave in the cemetery we annual make grave at. In previous years we walked the whole cemetery searching for markers. With the map we knew. To keep it up-to-date, we work with the grounds keeper to register new graves Erect Flag Pole, collect and conduct Flag Retirement Ceremony We 12.3 Help in purchase (fundraising) and installing Flag Poles at homes of Disabled American Veterans

102 Chapter 13 Patriotic Songs & Hymns Lyrics 13.1 The Star Spangled Banner 13.2 America the Beautiful 13.3 AMERICA - My country, 'tis of Thee 13.4 God Bless America 13.5 The Stars and Stripes Forever 13.6 God Bless the USA 13.7 America 13.8 Battle Hymn of the Republic 13.9 A New Wind a Blowin' The Marines Hymn America, the Beautiful 13.1 The Star Spangled Banner By Francis Scott Key 1814 O say, can you see, by the dawn s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night - that our flag was still there! O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mist of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream 'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner. O long may it wave. O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! 101 O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern impassion'd stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control,

103 Thy liberty in law! O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness, And ev'ry gain divine! O Beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! 13.3 AMERICA - My country, 'tis of Thee by Samuel F. Smith My country, 'tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain side Let Freedom ring. My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills, My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet Freedom's song; Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of Liberty, To thee we sing, Long may our land be bright With Freedom's holy light, Protect us by thy might Great God, our King. Our glorious Land to-day, 'Neath Education's sway, Soars upward still. Its hills of learning fair, Whose bounties all may share, behold them everywhere On vale and hill! Thy safeguard, Liberty, The school shall ever be, Our Nation's pride! No tyrant hand shall smite, While with encircling might All here are taught the Right With Truth allied. Beneath Heaven's gracious will The stars of progress still Our course do sway; In unity sublime To broader heights we climb, Triumphant over Time, God speeds our way! Grand birthright of our sires, Our altars and our fires Keep we still pure! Our starry flag unfurled, The hope of all the world, In peace and light impearled, God hold secure! 13.4 God Bless America by Irving Berlin, 1918, revised by him in 1938 God bless America, Land that I love, Stand beside her and guide her 102 Thru the night with a light from above;

104 From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans white with foam, God bless America, My home, sweet home. God bless America, My home, sweet home The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa Let martial note in triumph float And liberty extend its mighty hand A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers, The banner of the Western land. The emblem of the brave and true Its folds protect no tyrant crew; The red and white and starry blue Is freedom's shield and hope. Other nations may deem their flags the best And cheer them with fervid elation But the flag of the North and South and West Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation. Hurrah for the flag of the free! May it wave as our standard forever, The gem of the land and the sea, The banner of the right. Let despots remember the day When our fathers with mighty endeavor Proclaimed as they marched to the fray That by their might and by their right It waves forever. Let eagle shriek from lofty peak The never-ending watchword of our land; Let summer breeze waft through the trees The echo of the chorus grand. Sing out for liberty and light, Sing out for freedom and the right. Sing out for Union and its might, O patriotic sons. Other nations may deem their flags the best And cheer them with fervid elation, But the flag of the North and South and West Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation. Hurrah for the flag of the free. May it wave as our standard forever The gem of the land and the sea, The banner of the right. Let despots remember the day When our fathers with might endeavor Proclaimed as they marched to the fray, That by their might and by their right It waves forever God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood, 1984 If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife, I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today, 'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away. I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A. From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea. From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A., There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say: I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S. 103

105 13.7 America by Samuel F. Smith My country, 'tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain side Let Freedom ring. My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills, My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet Freedom's song; Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of Liberty, To thee we sing, Long may our land be bright With Freedom's holy light, Protect us by thy might Great God, our King. Our glorious Land to-day, 'Neath Education's sway, Soars upward still. Its hills of learning fair, Whose bounties all may share, Behold them everywhere On vale and hill! Thy safeguard, Liberty, The school shall ever be, Our Nation's pride! No tyrant hand shall smite, While with encircling might All here are taught the Right With Truth allied. Beneath Heaven's gracious will The stars of progress still Our course do sway; In unity sublime To broader heights we climb, Triumphant over Time, God speeds our way! Grand birthright of our sires, Our altars and our fires Keep we still pure! Our starry flag unfurled, The hope of all the world, In peace and light impearled, God hold secure! 13.8 Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on. I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have built him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps; His day is marching on. 104

106 I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel: "As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel, Since God is marching on." He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat; Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer him! Be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me: As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on A New Wind a Blowin' by Langston Hughes There's a brand new wind a-blowin' down that Lincoln road. There's a brand new hope a-growin' down where freedom's seeds are sowed. There's a new truth we'll be knowin' that will lift our heavy load, When we find out what free men can really do. There's a brand new day a-comin' for the land called U.S.A. New tunes we'll be a-strummin' in our hearts by night and day. As we march on we'll be hummin', how our troubles' gone away, 'Cause we've found out what free men can really do. And if you feel like dancin' then, why come on folks, and dance! And if you feel like prancin' then, why come on folks, and prance! 'Cause I really ain't romancin' when I say we've got our chance To show 'em what free men can really do. There's a brand new wind a-blowin' thru a land that's proud and free. Ev'rywhere there's folks a-wakin' to a truth that's bound to be. So let's all pull together for that day of victory, And we'll show 'em what free men can really do! The Marines Hymn From the Halls of Montezuma To the shores of Tripoli We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea. First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marines. 105

107 Our flag's unfurled to every breeze From dawn to setting sun; We have fought in every clime and place Where we could take a gun. In the snow of far-off Northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job -- The United States Marines. Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life And never lost our nerve. If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes, They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines America, the Beautiful Verse 1-3 Contributed by: Cecilia Farkas Last verse Contributed by: Joe Blasius O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain. America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea. O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern impassion'd stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness. America! America! God men thine ev'ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law. O beautiful for heroes prov'd In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life. America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness, And ev'ry grain divine. O Beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years. Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears. America! America! God shed his grace on thee, 106

108 And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea. 107

109 Chapter 14 Flag Myths, Quiz s and FAQs 14.1 Myths about the American Flag 14.2 United States Flag Quiz 14.3 Stars & Stripes Forever Flag Day Quiz 14.4 Why is the Flag patch "backwards" on Military uniforms? 14.1 Myths about the American Flag We the people love and honor the Stars and Stripes but haven't mastered its whole truth A painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (circa 1920) of Betsy Ross and George Washington (far left) Library of Congress/Poodlesrock/Corbis Americans love our flag. We display it at concerts and stadiums to celebrate, and at times of national tragedy to show our resolve. We have our schoolchildren pledge allegiance to it; we have consecrated it in our national anthem; we have a holiday, Flag Day, to honor it every June 14, as well as have it on prominent display for the Fourth of July. Yet the iconography and history of the American flag, especially its early history, are infused with myth and misrepresentation. Here are five of the most prevalent myths. 1. Betsy Ross made the first American flag. The Betsy Ross story is the most tenacious piece of fiction involving the flag. There simply is no credible historical evidence letters, diaries, newspaper accounts, bills of sale that Ross (then known as Elizabeth Claypoole) either made or had a hand in designing the American flag before it made its debut in The story cropped up in 1870, almost 100 years after the first flag was supposedly sewn, when William Canby, Ross grandson, told the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia that his grandmother made the flag at George Washington s behest. Canby s sole evidence: affidavits from family members. The iconic 1893 painting of Ross sitting in her Philadelphia parlor with the sun beaming down on the flag in her lap is a scene invented by Charles H. Weisgerber, the artist and entrepreneur who profited from the Betsy Ross legend. While Ross did make flags in Philadelphia in the late 1770s, it is all but certain that the story about her creating the American flag is a myth. As President Woodrow Wilson, who presided over the first official national Flag Day on June 14, 1916, is said to have replied when asked his thoughts on the story: "Would that it were true." 108

110 Next myth: The flag's colors symbolize sacrifice. >> Though much symbolism has been attributed to them, the colors of the American flag have never had any kind of official imprimatur. Library of Congress 2. The red, white and blue colors symbolize American sacrifice. No federal law, resolution or executive order exists providing an official reason for the flag s colors or their meaning. The closest thing to an explanation are the words of Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Continental Congress, who was instrumental in the design of the Great Seal of the United States. Thomson s report to Congress on June 20, 1782, the day the seal was approved, contained a description of the colors, the same as those in the flag: "White signifies purity and innocence. Red hardiness and valour and Blue... signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice." Various official documents and proclamations including one by President Ronald Reagan marking 1986 as the "Year of the Flag" have echoed that reasoning. But the colors do not have, nor have they ever had, any official imprimatur. Historians believe that the use of red, white and blue in the Stars and Stripes has to do with the simple fact that they were the colors of the first flag of the American colonies, the Continental Colors. And there is little doubt where the red, white and blue of the Continental Colors came from: the Union Jack of the United Kingdom. Next myth: The Pledge has long been recited in Congress. >> 109

111 Marcia Daughtrey of Tyler, Texas, recites the Pledge of Allegiance with other members of the Electoral College in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 15, Harry Cabluck/AP 3. The Pledge of Allegiance has long been recited in Congress and other governmental bodies. The pledge was written by magazine editor Francis Bellamy in 1892 for a nationwide public school celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus s landing. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, New York became the first state to mandate that public school students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day. Many states followed suit, and the pledge remained a staple of the daily routine in many schools until 1988, when it became an issue in the presidential campaign. Vice President George H.W. Bush criticized his opponent, Democrat Michael Dukakis, for vetoing a bill as governor of Massachusetts that would have required the pledge to be recited in public schools. Dukakis said he did so after being advised that the law was unconstitutional. At the height of the campaign, on Sept. 13, 1988, the pledge was recited on the floor of the House of Representatives for the first time. Republican members of the House, who were in the minority, offered a resolution to that effect, and it was accepted by Speaker Jim Wright, a Democrat. Wright ruled that from then on, the pledge would be recited at the start of business each day that the House was in session. The Senate did not begin daily recital of the pledge until June 24, Since then, the pledge has become part of the opening rituals of nearly all state and local governmental bodies. Next myth: It's illegal to burn the flag. >> 110

112 Burning the American flag was illegal until 1989, when the Supreme Court ruled it to be a form of symbolic speech protected by the Constitution. Vetta/Getty Images 4. It is illegal to burn the American flag. It was illegal until 1989, when the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 in Texas v. Johnson that burning the flag is a form of symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment. The case involved Gregory Lee Johnson, a member of the Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade, who had burned the flag during a protest at the 1984 Republican National Convention. He was convicted of violating Texas s flag-desecration law, fined $2,000 and sentenced to a year in jail. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturned the conviction, ruling that Johnson was exercising his First Amendment right to freedom of speech. The Supreme Court s decision invalidated a 1968 national flag-desecration law, as well as similar laws in 48 states (all except Wyoming and Alaska). In response, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act, but that law was also challenged and wound up in the Supreme Court. The court in 1990 essentially affirmed its earlier ruling, stating that any law banning flag burning violated free speech. Those decisions led to a national movement to amend the Constitution to make flag desecration illegal. The leading voice in that effort has been the Citizens Flag Alliance, which was founded in 1994 by the American Legion. Proposed amendments have come up regularly in the House and Senate since then but have yet to receive sufficient support. Next myth: It's fine to show Old Glory on your clothing. >> 111

113 This skimpy bathing suit with a Stars-and-Stripes design certainly seems to violate the code of good taste, but is that all? Martin Parr/Magnum Photos 5. It's OK to wear a Stars-and-Stripes T-shirt. The U.S. Flag Code frowns on the use of the flag "for advertising purposes." It goes on to warn against the sale or display of any "article of merchandise... upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of" the flag to "advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed." In other words, when you wear a flag T-shirt or hat while reclining on an American flag beach towel near your American flag camping chair, you are violating the Flag Code. The code, which was drawn up at the first National Flag Conference in Washington in 1923, is part of the law of the land. But it is not enforced, nor is it enforceable. It is merely a set of guidelines, letting Americans know what to do and what not to do with our red, white and blue national emblem. There are no Flag Police. You will not be arrested for wearing a flag-embossed T-shirt on Independence Day or any other day of the year. Marc Leepson is the author of Flag: An American Biography and, most recently, Lafayette: Lessons in Leadership From the Idealist General. 112

114 14.2 United States Flag Quiz Honoring the flag shows respect for the symbol of our nation. Test your knowledge with the following quiz. For more on flag etiquette, see the Boy Scout Handbook or go online and check out the United States Flag Code. Question: What should I do when an American flag goes by in a parade? Answer: When in uniform, use the Scout salute. Otherwise, place your right hand over your heart. Question: Is flag burning ever allowed? Answer: A national flag that is worn beyond repair may be burned in a fire. The ceremony should be conducted with dignity and respect, and the flag burned completely to ashes. Question: Can the flag be flown outside at night? Answer: While it is customary to fly the flag between sunrise and sunset, it can be displayed at night if it is properly lit. Question: Can I wear an American flag as a clothing item? Answer: Not the flag itself. Flag designs can be including in clothing patterns. Question: In 1910 when the Boy Scouts of America was founded, how many stars were on the American Flag? Answer: Forty-six. (New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii were not yet states.) Question: How do you fold the flag into that triangle shape? Answer: According to the Boy Scout Handbook, "Two people holding the flag at waist-level between them fold the flag in half lengthwise and then again in half lengthwise, keeping the blue field on the outside. While one person holds the flag by the blue field, the other makes a triangular fold in the opposite end. Continue folding the flag in triangles until only the blue field is visible." Question: A flag over a street should be hung with the blue field in which direction? Answer: The blue field is toward the east over a north-south street, or toward the north above an east-west street. Question: When should the flag fly at half staff? Answer: A flag at half-staff shows sorrow following a national tragedy or the death of a president or other national or state figure, and to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. Question: Which way is a flag displayed on a wall? Answer: The blue field goes to the flag's own right. (To your left as you look at it.) Question: Where should a flag on a staff placed on a stage? Answer: To the flag's own right. (On the left side of the stage as the audience sees it.) Any other flags on staffs are placed on the right side of the stage, as viewed by the audience. Bonus Question: Why do the flag patches sewn on the right sleeves of BSA uniform shirts appear to be flying in the opposite direction as those sewn on the right sleeves of many U.S. military uniforms? Answer: Following the guidelines of the United States Flag Code, the flag patch on a Scout uniform shirt sleeve is placed with the blue field to the flag's own right. Flag patches on military uniforms fall under Department of the Army regulations stating that "When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer's right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward." In other words, the blue field is to the flag's own left. For more information about flags, see the Your Flag book, No A. 113

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121 14.4 Why is the Flag patch "backwards" on Military uniforms? Following is a quote from the Department of Defense website... "Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, updated most recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag. We appreciate and share your concern for the respectful display of our American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces." 120

122 Chapter 15 Other symbols and documents of our great nation 15.1 The Great Seal of the United States of America Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Seal 15.2 The National Mottos Frequently Asked Questions about the National Mottos 15.3 The Declaration of Independence 15.4 American Bald Eagle 15.5 POW/MIA flag The Great Seal and the National Mottos of the United States of America This page concentrates on the history of the Great Seal of the United States and the National Motto of the United States (In God We Trust) The Great Seal of the United States of America On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress set a committee to work to design a national seal. The task was a monumental one since the feeling was that it reflected the Founding Fathers' beliefs, values and sovereignty of the new Nation. Original designs varied widely. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson proposed a design representing Moses crossing the Red Sea, with Pharaoh in hot pursuit. It included the motto: 'Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God'. The task was not complete until the current design was approved by Congress on June 20, The device or design on the obverse (front) of the Great Seal is the coat of arms (emblem) of the United States. Strictly speaking without the crest (constellation of stars). Used apart from the seal for a number of official government purposes. The coat of arms is the symbol and badge of the United States Government. The Great Seal of the United States, both obverse and reverse, is pictured on the back of the $1 bill. The seal is a heraldic device, and as such, each element has a specific meaning. Obverse (Front) 121

123 The American bald eagle is prominently featured supporting a shield composed of 13 red and white stripes (pales) representing the Thirteen Original states with a blue bar (chief) uniting the shield and representing Congress. The shield is born on the breast of the eagle without any other supporters to denote that the United States ought to rely on their own virtue. The motto of the United States E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one) is emblazoned on the scroll held in the eagle's beak and refers to this union. The olive branch (dexter talon) and 13 arrows (sinister talon) grasped by the eagle allude to peace and war, powers solely vested in the Congress, and the constellation of stars (crest), breaking through a cloud symbolizes the new Nation taking its place among the sovereign powers. The eagle faces right, which is proper in heraldry. The colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white and blue did not have a meaning for the flag when adopted in 1777, but do have meaning in the seal. white -- purity and innocence red -- hardiness and valor blue - color of the Chief represents vigilance, perseverance and justice Reverse (Back) The unfinished pyramid signifies strength and duration: The eye over it and the motto, Annuit Coeptis (He, [God,] has favored our undertakings), allude to the many interventions of Providence in favor of the American cause. The Roman numerals below are the date of the Declaration of Independence. The words under it, novus Ordo Seclorum (a new order of the ages), signify the beginning of the new American era beginning in Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Seal Where is the Great Seal stored? The Great Seal (obverse only) is used to emboss the design upon international Treaties and other official U.S. Government documents. Used 2-3,000 times a year, the die, counter die, press and cabinet in which they are housed are located in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State inside a locked glass enclosure. An officer from the Department's Presidential Appointments Staff does the actual sealing of documents after the Secretary of State has countersigned the President's signature. Why is the seal called 'great'? The seal is called 'great' by tradition. A 'great' seal is used to represent the government of a country. In the case of the United States, it is used to authenticate the President's signature on certain state documents. Some countries, such as in the case of the British privy seal, have 'lesser' seals that are used to signify the royal family. The United States does not use the concept of a 'lesser' seal, however it still uses the word 'great' in the title of the Great Seal. Has the Eagle always faced the olive branch? Yes, since the first die was cast, the eagle has always faced right and has held the olive branch in its right talon. Presidential flags, seals (and coats of arms) showed the eagle facing left, towards the arrows, until 1945 when President Truman changed a number of items in the presidential flag and seal [Executive Order 9646].One of the changes was to have the eagle face right, towards the olive branch "This new flag faces the eagle toward the staff," Truman explained, "which is looking to the front all the time when you are on the march, and also has him looking at the olive branch for 122

124 peace, instead of the arrows for war... President Truman meant the shift in the eagle's gaze to be seen as symbolic of a nation both on the march and dedicated to peace. It has remained that way ever since. Contrary to a popular myth, the eagle in the Presidential seal does not flip his gaze during times of war. Although when Truman and Churchill were looking at the new symbol on a train car, Churchill remarked that he thought the eagle's head should be on a swivel. That may be the origin of the myth. In any case, it is incorrect. The arrows and olive branches are always held in the same claws. Is it true that Benjamin Franklin really wanted the turkey as the national symbol? Benjamin Franklin's idea for a coat of arms was of Moses crossing the Red Sea (see above), however almost eight years after his service on the seal committee, and after a design for the seal had been adopted and put into use, Franklin expressed his distaste for the bald eagle as the symbol of the country to a letter to his daughter in Franklin was probably not writing seriously, as he had promptly used the Great Seal device, with the eagle, in two publications printed on his press at Passy in But the story has been widely disseminated. Did freemasonry influence the Great Seal designs? Because membership records for the Revolutionary period are scattered and imperfect, it is not possible to answer this with complete certainty. There is no evidence that the final designers of the Great Seal, Charles Thomson or Philadelphia William Barton, were Masons. It is more likely that the seal designers of the Great Seal and the Masons took their symbols from parallel sources The National Mottos In God We Trust The national motto originated with Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase during the Civil War. Prompted by a letter from Rev. M. R. Watkinson, of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania asking for a recognition of "the Almighty God in some form in our coins.", Chase requested Congress to pass a law changing the composition of the 2-cent piece to include the motto "In God we trust". The law as passed on April 22, Eventually the motto appeared on many U.S. coins and currencies. When the double eagle and eagle of new design appeared in 1907, it was soon discovered that the motto had been omitted. In response to a general demand, Congress ordered it restored, and the act of May 18, 1908, made mandatory its appearance upon all coins which it had heretofore appeared. The act approved July 11, 1955, makes appearance of the motto "In God we trust" mandatory upon all coins of the United States. (69 Stat U.S. Code 324a) On July 30, 1956 a law was passed stating that "the national motto of the United States is hereby declared to be 'In God we trust'." (70 Stat U.S. Code 186). The House Judiciary Committee recognized that the phrase E Pluribus Unum had also received wide usage in the United States, and the joint resolution did not repeal or prohibit its use as a national motto. In 1963 the Department of State took the following position: "'In God we trust'" is the motto of the United States. It seems to the Department, nevertheless, that there is ample basis both in history and in law for calling 'E Pluribus Unum' a motto of the United States." The Congress has used both. E Pluribus Unum E Pluribus Unum means "out of many, one". It comes from a popular publication during revolutionary times entitled Gentleman's Magazine which carried that legend upon the title page. The magazine was well known to literate Americans of the time. The Gentleman's Magazine obtained the legend from an earlier and long out of print publication called the Gentleman's Journal which used the motto in And perhaps ultimately to Virgil, St. Augustine or Horace. It was first used extensively in the United States only after it was introduced on the Great Seal Frequently Asked Questions about the National Mottos Have federal court cases cast doubt on the constitutionality of the motto "In God we trust"? 123

125 The federal courts have held that the motto symbolizes the historical role of religion in our society, Lynch, 465 U.S. at 676, formalizes our medium of exchange, see O'Hair v. Blumenthal, 462 F. Supp. 19, 20 (W.D. Tex.), aff'd sub nom. O'Hair v. Murray, 588 F.2d 1144 (5th Cir. 1978) (per curiam), and cert. denied, 442 U.S.930 (1979), fosters patriotism, see Aronow v. United States, 432 F.2d 242, 243 (9th Cir. 1970), and expresses confidence in the future, Lynch, 465 U.S. at (O'Connor, J., concurring). The motto's primary effect is not to advance religion; instead, it is a form of "ceremonial deism" which through historical usage and ubiquity cannot be reasonably understood to convey government approval of religious belief. Allegheny, 492 U.S. at 625 (O'Connor, J., concurring); Lynch, 465 U.S. at 693 (O'Connor, J., concurring); id. at 716 (Brennan, J., dissenting). Finally, the motto does not create an intimate relationship of the type that suggests unconstitutional entanglement of church and state. O'Hair, 462 F. Supp. at 20. "After making [inquiries], we find that a reasonable observer, aware of the purpose, context, and history of the phrase "In God we trust," would not consider its use or its reproduction on U.S. currency to be an endorsement of religion. (Gaylor vs USA, 10th Cir. 1996) References Our Flag, Joint Committee on Printing, United States Congress, 1989 The Eagle and the Shield, Department of State, 1976 The Great Seal of the United States, Dept. of State publication, Presidential Seal Speaks of Peace, Newsday. 6 January Truman, David McCullough, New York: Touchstone Books, Created by: Bill Nelson, Venturing Committee Chairman, Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America. Please let me know of any additions or corrections The Declaration of Independence Historical Background: On July 2, 1776, in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress adopted the resolution, introduced by Richard Henry Lee and John Adams, which actually declared independence from Great Britain. [It declared, in part, ``that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.'' The Declaration, which explained why the Colonies (now States) declared their independence, was adopted by the Continental Congress July 4, [The leading draftsman was Thomas Jefferson, assisted by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. The drafting of Declaration of Independence is detailed here.] The text follows below. The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history 124

126 of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained, and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For quartering large bodies of armed troops amoung us: For protecting them by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences: For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies: For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: 125

127 For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated Government here by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms. Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare. That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. The signers of the Declaration represented the new States as follows: New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton Massachusetts: John HaYouth Leaderck, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris 126

128 New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton 15.4 American Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Leucocephalus The source of the article below about the American Bald Eagle (author unknown) is from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some additional information, paraphrased from other sources, is included here. The bald eagle is truly an all-american bird -- it is the only eagle unique to North America. It ranges over most of the continent, from the northern reaches of Alaska and Canada down to northern Mexico. The bald eagle, our national symbol, is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 43 of the lower 48 states and listed as threatened in Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. (There are about 40,000 bald eagles in Alaska and none in Hawaii.) However, bald eagles have improved greatly in numbers, productivity, and security in recent years. Male bald eagles generally measure 3 feet from head to tail, weigh 7 to 10 pounds, and have a wingspan of about 6 1/2 feet. Females are larger, some reaching 14 pounds and having a wingspan of up to 8 feet. This striking raptor has large, pale eyes; a powerful yellow beak; and great, black talons. The distinctive white head and tail feathers appear only after the bird is 4 to 5 years old. Bald eagles are believed to live 30 years or longer in the wild, and even longer in captivity. They mate for life and build huge nests in the tops of large trees near rivers, lakes, marshes, or other wetland areas. Nests are often reused year after year. With additions to the nests made annually, some may reach 10 feet across and weigh as much as 2,

129 pounds. Although bald eagles may range over great distances, they usually return to nest within 100 miles of where they were raised. Bald eagles normally lay two to three eggs once a year and the eggs hatch after about 35 days. The young eagles are flying within 3 months and are on their own about a month later. However, disease, lack of food, bad weather, or human interference can kill many eaglets; sometimes only about half will survive their first year. The staple of most bald eagle diets is fish, but they will feed on almost anything they can catch, including ducks, rodents, snakes, and carrion. In winter, northern birds migrate south and gather in large numbers near open water areas where fish or other prey are plentiful. Wildlife experts believe there may have been 25,000 to as many as 75,000 nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states when the bird was adopted as our national symbol in Since that time, the bald eagle has suffered from habitat destruction and degradation, illegal shooting, and contamination of its food source, most notably due to the pesticide DDT. By the early 1960s there were fewer than 450 bald eagle nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. Bald eagles have few natural enemies. But in general they need an environment of quiet isolation; tall, mature trees; and clean waters. Those conditions have changed over much of the bald eagle's former habitat. History notes many wilderness areas were cleared for farms and towns, and virgin forests were cut for timber and fuel. And, today, an increasing number of people flock to the nation's waterways for recreation, with growing impacts on bald eagle habitat. Meanwhile, these birds of prey became prey themselves. Although primarily fish and carrion eaters, bald eagles and other raptors were seen as marauders that killed chickens, lambs, and other domestic livestock. As a consequence, large numbers were shot by farmers, ranchers, and others. In 1940, noting that the national bird was "threatened with extinction," Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act which made it illegal to kill, harass, possess (without a permit), or sell bald eagles. In 1967, bald eagles were officially declared an endangered species (under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973) in all areas of the United States south of the 40th parallel. Federal and state government agencies, along with private organizations, successfully sought to alert the public about the bald eagle's plight and to protect its habitat from further destruction. The greatest threat to the bald eagle's existence arose from the widespread use of DDT and other pesticides after World War II. DDT was sprayed on croplands throughout the country and its residues washed into lakes and streams. There, they were absorbed by aquatic plants and small animals that were eaten by fish. The contaminated fish, in turn, were consumed by bald eagles. The chemical interfered with the bald eagle's ability to develop strong shells for its eggs. As a result, bald eagles and many other bird species began laying eggs with shells so thin they often broke during incubation or otherwise failed to hatch. Their reproduction disrupted, bald eagle populations plummeted. As the dangers of DDT became known, in large part due to Rachel Carson's famous book Silent Spring, this chemical was banned for most uses in the United States in In addition to the adverse effects of DDT, bald eagles also died from lead poisoning as a result of feeding on hunterkilled or crippled waterfowl containing lead shot and from lead shot that was inadvertently ingested by the waterfowl. (In 1991, a 5- year program to phase out the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting was completed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.) Gradually, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assembled the largest colony of breeding bald eagles in captivity at its Patuxent Wildlife Research Center near Laurel, Maryland, in a major effort to return healthy eagles to the wild (the center is now run by the National Biological Survey). 128

130 Patuxent's scientists enhanced the species' breeding potential by removing the bald eagle's first clutch of eggs and incubating them artificially. The bald eagles would usually then lay a second clutch, which the birds were allowed to incubate themselves. In all, 124 bald eagles were hatched at Patuxent. These captive-hatched bald eagles were an important source for restocking wild populations in certain areas of the country and helped to reestablish a broader distribution. Patuxent's program came to an end in 1988, as bald eagles began to reproduce more successfully in the wild, and the center turned its efforts toward other more critically endangered species. Some states continue reintroduction efforts, and two methods are generally used. Eaglets used for reintroduction may be captive-hatched or, since usually only two young per nest survive, they may be transferred from a bald eagle nest with a clutch of more than two. These "extra" eaglets are placed in the nest of an adult pair whose own eggs are infertile or fail to hatch. The "foster parents" readily adopt the chicks and raise them as their own. Another method, called hacking, is a procedure adapted from the sport of falconry. At 8 weeks of age, nestling eaglets are placed on manmade towers located in remote areas where bald eagle populations are low or non-existent. The eaglets are kept in an enclosure and fed by humans who stay out of sight. When the birds are capable of flight, at about 12 weeks old, the enclosure around the artificial nest is opened and the birds are free to leave. Food is still provided at the release site until the birds learn to fend for themselves in the wild. With these and other recovery methods, as well as habitat improvement and the banning of DDT, the bald eagle has made a remarkable comeback. From fewer than 450 nesting pairs in the early 1960s, there are now more than 4,000 adult bald eagles nesting pairs and an unknown number of young and sub-adults in the conterminous United States. This represents a substantial breeding population. In the last few years, several states have had breeding bald eagles for the first time in years. While habitat loss still remains a threat to the bald eagle's full recovery, most experts agree that it is making encouraging progress. Soon our national symbol soaring the skies may become a common sight for Americans to once again behold POW/MIA flag On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law , recognizing the National League of Families POW/MIA Flag and designating it "as a symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. Thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation." Beyond Southeast Asia, it has been a symbol for POW/MIAs from all American Wars. The POW/MIA flag is an American flag designed as a symbol of citizen concern about US military personnel taken as prisoners of war (POWs) or listed as missing in action (MIA). The original design for the flag was created by William Graham Wilkin III. The National League of Families then-national coordinator, POW wife Evelyn Grubb, oversaw its development and also campaigned to gain its widespread acceptance and use by the United States government and also local governments and civilian organizations across the United States. With the passage of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act during the first term of the 105th Congress, the POW/MIA Flag was specified to fly each year on: 129