Tag Archives: USA

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 for veterans who serve our country

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

November 11, 2014 ~ Today, like most Americans, I am thankful for our veterans. I am thankful for each man and women who put their life on hold to put on a uniform to serve their country. I am thankful for those who fought to win our freedom, and thankful for those who fight to keep it.

After 9/11, I think we have all learned that life as we know it can be forever changed in the blink of an eye. I am eternally grateful to the men and women in the military ~ those who have served and those currently serving. Thank you for protecting my freedom … thank you for being willing to lay down your life, so that I may go to sleep each night knowing you are protecting my right to live in “the land of the free and the home of the brave”. I am truly blessed.

♥ Today I am thankful for our veterans ♥