Tag Archives: American

American Flag ~ 4th of July

American Flag Etiquette for the 4th of July

We are coming up on the 4th of July … it’s the perfect time to show your patriotism by flying the American flag.
I have great memories of being a Cub Scout leader when my son was younger. One of my favorite memories was of one den meeting where we were working on an achievement about honoring and respecting the American flag. I had gotten prior approval from the principal to use the flagpole in front of the school where we held our meetings. The janitor met us at the flagpole and showed us how to properly raise and lower the flag. We had just talked about flag etiquette guidelines and how it shouldn’t touch the ground. Each 1st grade boy was to get a turn either hoisting or lowering the flag. I divided the den up into teams of 2 and had the team with a particularly shy and reserved boy go first, knowing he would back out if left until the end. He was doing so well until he accidentally dropped it while trying to get it hooked onto the rope. Of course, one of the more mean spirited boys called him a rude name and the shy boy burst into tears …

Anyways …

Here are a couple of the main guidelines (nutshell version):
• Always hang the flag with the blue field of stars in the upper left hand corner – whether hanging vertically or horizontally
• The flag should only be displayed during daylight hours … unless it is illuminated, (like a spotlight shining on it)then it can be displayed in the dark
• The flag should be folded in a triangle for ceremonial purposes or to display on the mantle. It can be folded into a normal square shape for ordinary storage

The etiquette guidelines I’ve shared are very simple and basic. You can read the very detailed, official rules here.

Fly our flag proudly and always remember what a privilege it is to live in “the land of the free & the home of the brave” …
Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July !!

Thankful to Vote

Tracy Helps You’s Thankful Thoughts for Today ~ 11/4/14

November 4, 2014 ~ Today I am thankful for the privilege to vote. Today is Election Day … the polls open early and stay open late. It saddens me that many Americans do not exercise their right to vote. Making changes to your typical Tuesday schedule to include a stop at your local polling place may seem like a major inconvenience, but I believe it’s something every American citizen should do.

It’s easy – the hardest thing you’d do would be researching the candidates to help you decide who would want to vote for. It is easy to find voting guides online, whether you have liberal or conservative beliefs.

Why waste such an honor and privilege? Go cast your vote … every vote counts. Let your voice be heard and counted. Whether your candidate is elected or not, at least you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you voiced your opinion at the polls.

♥ Today I am thankful for the privilege to vote ♥

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend ~ Summer’s Last Hurrah

Time sure does fly … it flies really fast. It is already the last week of August. Many schools have started classes, but for the students and the parents, it still feels like summer. Somehow, school just doesn’t seem real until after Labor Day Weekend.

Labor Day Weekend is like the unofficial end of summer. Even though summer doesn’t technically end until September 23rd, when the Autumnal Equinox ushers in Fall. For all intents and purposes, Labor Day is the last big “Hurrah” of summer. The carefree days of summer are being replaced with schedules and routines.

Many people celebrate this holiday with outdoor picnics and parades. The American flag is proudly flown and/or displayed.

The actual reason we celebrate Labor Day is because in 1894, a national holiday was created to honor American workers. It gave workers an official day off (in most industries). During the late 1800’s, most workers were made to work 12-hour shifts; 7 days a week in deplorable conditions just to make a meager living. Numerous demonstrations were held to try to improve working conditions and how employees were treated. Labor unions staged strikes – many riots broke out all over the country. It was a dark time in our country’s history.

In modern day America, generally speaking, most employees enjoy healthy working conditions, an 8-hour shift, a 5-day work week, a guaranteed minimum wage and some type of benefits. The American workplace is a far cry from perfect, but it has definitely come a long way.

At Tracy Helps You, we usually work on the “workingman’s holiday”. I’m taking care of an adorable German Sheppard while her owners are traveling over Labor Day Weekend 🙂