To most folks, Memorial day weekend means little more than the beginning of backyard summer barbeques and a Monday off.
On this special day, however, we should pause to remember the point for which this day was created – to honor those who have died in battle….to proudly lift up those who’s blood was shed so that our freedom can remain in place.
Whether you are a staunch American patriot or not, you probably know a military service person who has offered up their skills, time, health and, perhaps, life, to the American cause. I know I do. My father served in the army, most of my uncles served other branches, with two of those uncles serving in the vietnam war (one of whom received a purple heart after being buried alive).
Men and women throughout the history of America have fought to protect our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – our individual freedom.
Today we celebrate them.
And what symbol bespeaks of their sacrifice the best?
Our beautiful flag…Old Glory. When we honor our flag, we honor the thousands upon thousands who have shed their blood so that we may retain the ideals that it stands for.
But how many of us in today’s society truly know how to show honor to the flag that we all are so familiar with?
You do so by following the standards of respect and behavior set forth for that flag.
And here 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 speakers 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.
Please visit www.USflag.org for more flag information.
