Peace Officers Memorial Day

April 27, 2009

Peace Officers Memorial Day

Peace Officers Memorial Day

Sunshine, warmer air, longer days…. ahh, lazy days a’comin! I love Spring! Summer is even a better sequel, but we have a couple months before we can start celebrating with fireworks and picnics with potato salad and hot dog barbeques. Nevertheless, with the nicer weather begins the parade season. And no, I’m not talking about the festive Memorial Day parades. Those are awesome, but we’re going to talk about those next time around. I’m talking about a different memorial day that’s been around for a long time, but you might not know a lot about. It’s Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week.

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week was created in 1961, signed into law by John F. Kennedy in 1962, and has been recognized on May 15 of every year since then, so it’s been around for a while. It might sound new to you, though, because it’s not a national or public holiday where offices, schools, or governments get time off. In 2002, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation that Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute to the local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication.

Now, not every area holds a parade, so you would benefit by looking at your local newspaper before grabbing your miniature American Flag or police department flag, and heading down to the corner of Main St. You might end up waiting for a loooong time for a string of police cars go past. In fact, much of the holiday focuses around the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. On that wall are the names of the more than 17,000 law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

At 12:00 PM on May 15, people take part or participate in the memorial, especially those who lost family members, friends or colleagues who were local officers, by lowering their flags in remembrance of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Some police departments also may hold an annual law enforcement memorial ceremony. Remember the proclamation I told you about a little bit ago? The one that George W. Bush signed in 2002? Well, it also encourages state and local governments, and the people, to observe the day with ceremonies and activities. So, if Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week sounds like a new thing to you, and it’s something you would like to take part of, check your local listings, grab your mini-flags, and head toward the flashing lights!

Honor a Police Officer on our Virtual Wall of Honor

Honor a Police Officer on our Virtual Wall of Honor

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Patriarch® Polyester U.S. Flag

April 13, 2009

Patriarch® Polyester U.S. Flag

The FINEST quality polyester 3′x5′ U.S. flags available the Patriarch®, a Carrot-Top Industries Exclusive, feature sewn strips and embroidered stars. These extra-tough, skillfully woven 2- ply polyester U.S. flags stand up to high winds and are the best choice for coastal and more extreme weather environments.
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Beacon® Nylon U.S. Flag

April 13, 2009

Beacon® Nylon U.S. Flag

Our BEST all-around U.S. flag is the Beacon® nylon U.S. flag. These Carrot-Top Industries exclusive U.S. flags are made of tightly woven durable SolarMax™ nylon. A great flag choice for areas with little to moderate winds because they fly beautifully in even the slightest of breezes.

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U.S. Marine Corps Flag

April 9, 2009
U.S Marine Corps Flag

U.S Marine Corps Flag

The U.S. Marine Corps flag consists of a red base with an emblem of the world showing North and South America, in gold, in the center. The world is placed on the top of a gold anchor, with the top and bottom of the anchor being visible. Sitting on top of the globe is a gold eagle. Below the world the words United States Marine Corps are written in scarlet on a white or grey scroll, which is outlined in gold.

The Marine emblem of the eagle, globe and anchor represents distant service under the American eagle by air, land and sea, representing America’s interests “in every clime and place.” The symbol was adopted in 1868.

As with most U.S. Military flags the Marine Corps flag comes in two versions; one for indoor/parade use and one for outdoor use. The flags are similar, but the indoor flag has a gold border around its edges.

The Marine Corps is a part of the Department of the Navy, therefore it isn’t a part of the U.S. Navy, however they work closely together. The Marine Corps, like other US military divisions, often places streamers on its flags representing the battle history of the Corps.

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U.S. Navy Flag

April 8, 2009

U.S. Navy Flag

U.S. Navy Flag

The U.S. Navy Flag consists of a dark blue base with the Navy seal in the center. The words United States Navy are written in dark blue on a yellow scroll below the seal. The flag measures 4 feet 4 inches wide by 5 feet 6 inches in length. The Navy’s official colors are blue and gold and the indoor version of the flag has a gold border around the outer edge.

The U.S. Navy flag doesn’t fly from ships as the national flag and other signal flags are flown instead. The flag is basically used as a ceremonial symbol and is only carried by honor guards in parades and other ceremonies.

The U.S. Navy still uses the international nautical flags, even in this technological age of radio and satellites.

The flag is always displayed with a set of streamers commemorating the battles, campaigns and service of the US Navy, since 1775. There are currently 28 authorized streamers, plus three to recognize awards of the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

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U.S. Army Flag

April 8, 2009

U.S. Army Flag

U.S. Army Flag

The original U.S. Army Flag was made of white silk and measured 4 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 6 inches. The flag featured the national colors of red white and blue with the official war seal, in blue, in the center of it. Beneath the seal the words “United States Army” are written in white, on a scarlet scroll, and the year 1775 is written in blue below the scroll. The original War Office seal was authorized by the Continental Congress on May 8, 1779.

The US Army flag seal features a cannon in front of a drum with two drumsticks; below the cannon there are three cannon balls, a mortar on a trunion and below the mortar two powder flasks. In the center of the US Army flag seal is a Roman breastplate over a jupon (leather jacket). Above the breastplate rises a plain sword with the pommel and guard supporting a Phrygin cap between an esponton (pike). It has a organizational color on one side and a musket with a fixed bayonet and the national color on the other side. Above is a rattlesnake holding in its mouth a scroll inscribed, ‘This We’ll Defend.’

The Phrygian cap is the traditional symbol of liberty.

The flag as designed by the Heraldic Branch Office of Research and Engineering, Office of The Quartermaster General. Work on the flag began in July 1955, when the Secretary of the Army expressed a desire for a flag representing the army. Several flags were designed and this one was selected by Secretary of the War Brucker. The flag that Vice President Nixon presented to Secretary Brucker was hand embroidered by women needle workers at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot.

The flag has 175 streamers, each 2 3/4 inches wide and 4 feet long, attached to the staff. Embroidered on each streamer is the year (s) of each campaign. The streamers represent the number of campaigns the US Army has fought during the country’s history. However, the campaign in Iraq is not included in the 175 number. The idea of using streamers originated in the US Civil War. The practice was stopped in 1890 and revived in 1921.

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U.S. Air Force Flag

April 8, 2009

U.S. Air Force Flag

U.S. Air Force Flag

The U.S. Air Force flag consists of an ultramarine blue, which is the air force’s branch color. The flag is 4 feet 4 inches wide by 5 feet 6 inches in length. The indoor version of the flag has a 2 ½ inch yellow/gold border around the outer edge. The coat of arms of the Department of the Air Force is in the center of the flag.

The flag is always carried with streamers commemorating the air force’s battles and campaigns, starting with the Mexican Expedition in 1916-1917. The air force was a part of the army until 1947 and its battle streamers from that period are also flown with the US Army flag.

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Symbols of the American Flag

April 8, 2009

U.S. Flag

U.S. Flag

Today’s flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes – seven red stripes alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well:

  • red symbolizes hardiness and valor
  • white symbolizes purity and innocence
  • blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

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Lifespan of a flag

April 8, 2009

Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear, especially for thread breaks in the “fly” end. Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend the life of your flag.

The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset. Periods of inclement weather will shorten this lifespan. In some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only 1/4 as long as one flown during the daylight hours only.

Good care can greatly prolong a flag’s lifespan, so be sure to regularly clean your flag.

To learn more about flag longevity, please click here.

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Cleaning Your American Flag

April 8, 2009

To keep rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly. Regular cleaning will stop soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants from setting into the fabric.

Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with warm water and a mild soap. Do not let the flag stand in water to avoid having the colors bleed into the white stripes.

Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags. Many dry cleaners will clean flags free of charge when you bring other personal items.

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The Star Bangled Flag House

April 8, 2009

The Flag House

The Flag House

The Flag House is located on the northwest corner of Albemarle and Pratt Streets in Baltimore, Maryland.

It was the home of Mary Pickersgill from 1807 to 1857, and it was where she made the original “Star-Spangled Banner,” which measured 30 by 42 feet. The stripes were two feet wide and the stars were two feet from point to point. Mrs. Pickersgill was paid $405.90 for her services. The flag was delivered to Fort McHenry on August 19, 1813, a full year before the Battle of Baltimore.

The flag bears the autograph of Lt. Col. George Armistead as well as the date of the British bombardment. It remained in the Armistead family for many years and then loaned to the Smithsonian for an official display in 1907. On December 19, 1912, it was donated to the Smithsonian where it is now on permanent exhibit. Although the flag was reduced in size in order to repair and preserve it in 1914, the reinforcement technique used has preserved its existence.

The Flag House is a National Historic Landmark, and is operated by an independent non-profit association.

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Purchase an American Flag Flown Over the Capitol

April 8, 2009
capitolbuilding

U.S. Capitol Building

Did you know that you can purchase a flag that has been flown over the Capitol? You can even specify that you want one that was flown on a certain day.

You can purchase one of these flags by getting in touch with your Senator. Click here to find your Senators’ websites and this is where you will find the order information.

You will also receive a certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol with each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3′ x 5′ or 5′ x 8′ in fabrics of cotton and nylon.

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American Flag Folding Ceremony

April 8, 2009

Flag Folding Ceremony

Flag Folding Ceremony

Have you ever noticed how the color guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Did you think it symbolized the original 13 colonies? It actually represents something different.

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th 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 time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th 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 6th 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 the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th 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 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great, have been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat.

From the US Air Force Academy

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How to Obtain a Burial Flag for a Veteran

April 8, 2009

Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a burial flag. The funeral director can make the arrangements. The flag may be used to cover the casket and it is presented to the family as a keepsake.

The local office of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs can also provide information on the procedure for obtaining a flag for a deceased veteran.

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American Flag Flying Holidays

April 8, 2009

Flag Flying Dates

Flag Flying Dates

It is permissible to fly the American Flag any and every day of the year, but we especially recommend that all Americans fly the flag on special holidays and historically significant dates.

The flag is a symbol of U.S. freedom, the very foundation of which our country was built. This foundation is strengthened by the servicemen and women currently deployed oversees and those defending our shores, and by the thousands who have given their lives to defend the liberties we enjoy. Fly the Amercian flag on these dates:

New Year’s Day – January 1
Martin Luther King Day – 3rd Monday in January
Inauguration Day – January 20
Lincoln’s Birthday – February 12
Washington’s Birthday – 3rd Monday in February
Easter Sunday – Variable
Patriots’ Day – 3rd Monday in April
Mother’s Day – 2nd Sunday in May
Peace Officers Memorial Day – May 19 (fly at half-mast)
Armed Forces Day – 3rd Saturday in May
Memorial Day – Last Monday in May (fly at half-mast)
Flag Day – June 14
Father’s Day – 3rd Sunday in June
Independence Day – July 4
Korean War Veterans Day – July 27
Labor Day – 1st Monday in September
Patriot Day / Sept 11 – September 11 (fly at half-mast)
Constitution Day – September 17
Gold Star Mother’s Day – Last Sunday in September
Columbus Day – 2nd Monday in October
Navy Day – October 27
Election Day – 1st Tuesday in November
Veteran’s Day – November 11
Thanksgiving Day – 4th Thursday in November
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – December 7 (fly at half-mast)
Christmas Day – December 25

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Proper way to fold the American flag

April 8, 2009

Folded American Flag

Folded American Flag

It has been a long standing military custom that the flag be lowered daily at the last note of retreat. When lowering the flag, special care should be taken to ensure no part of the flag touches the ground. The U.S. flag is to be handled with the utmost care and respect.

What shows respect for the flag? I attended a political campaign in 2006 where the candidate talked about how they loved God and our country and supported our military. There were flags flying everywhere. At the end of the rally, a campaign worker took all the flags and wrapped them around their polls as quickly as possible. She stacked the poles on the ground and eventually tossed them into the back of a pickup truck. Bags of garbage and extra signs were placed on top of the flags.

Now, let’s show you the proper way to fold your flag. This custom of special folding is reserved for the United States Flag alone.

How to fold the Flag

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 1

Step 1

Step 2: Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 2

Step 2

Step 3: Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 3

Step 3

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 4

Step 4

Step 5: Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 5

Step 5

Step 6: The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 6

Step 6

Step 7: When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

Step 7

Step 7

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