Comments for The Daily Flag

Comment on Upside Down Texas Flag Update by Deborah Hendrick

Deborah Hendrick — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:08:03 +0000

Oh NO, Dylan. I had not noticed the Time-Warner commercial. I will look for it. I write letters and I make phone calls when I find this sort of thing. Aaargh.

Comment on Upside Down Texas Flag Update by Dylan

Dylan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:43:26 +0000

I can’t stand when people do this. I have seen this on a public school, city fire station, several homes and people holding the flag in celebration. Recently, I was watching television and noticed the Texas flag is upside down on a Time Warner Cable commercial. They are talking about how it’s not right to charge for HD services and how that doesn’t fly in Texas around football season. Way to go TWC!

Comment on Veterans salute the flag—clarifying the change in the U.S. Code by Tom Waskom

Tom Waskom — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:14:14 +0000

Sure is a lot of reading over something ment to be so simple. I spent time in two branches and served on active duty for 23 years. When on active duty, I followed the regulations of the Branch I was serving at the time. The purpose for changing the code / law was to let (veterans) know that by serving their country in the United States Military, they have earned the right to render a military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of my flag, during the National Anthem, or during the Pledge of Allegiance. As written the salute given by a veteran (not currently in the service) is while covered or un-covered in any type or style of clothing. Having the right doesn’t mean you have to. Either way, salute or hand over the heart is ment to show respect and is accepted as such. It is the individuals decision. As far as what the commander of your Branch of Service decides, that is also up to you the veteran.
As for me, my President signed into law my right to salute and that is exactly what I am going to do.
If a veteran is showing respect for his flag, his country or his comrade, only a bean counter question it.
3 years USMC, 20 years Army
18 years Federal Law Enforcement
1 year playing golf and fishing.

Comment on Touch the Ground—Burn the Flag? by Deborah Hendrick

Deborah Hendrick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:17 +0000

Ms. Jay—you have essentially answered your own question. It is precisely out of respect, honor, love and affection—it may be a different combination for some people—that we choose to treat the flag with great care. Things that are important to us, things that can be ruined or destroyed, we try to keep from touching the ground. Those who want to insult, discourage, or somehow defeat another country, will generally attack that country’s national emblem as part of their first actions.

There have been some exceptions. I have seen a photograph in the National Archives that was taken during WWII. A forward American company on an island was being shelled by American ships offshore. They staked out the largest American flag they had on the hillside, in hopes that the artillery spotters would see it though their spotting scopes, and direct the fire elsewhere. It worked!

Thank you for writing. Best Wishes, Deborah

Comment on Touch the Ground—Burn the Flag? by Ms.Jay D.

Ms.Jay D. — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:10:42 +0000

I keep reading that the American flag should never touch the ground but I can not find the reasoning behind that statement. Can you please tell me why the American flag should not touch the ground other than out of respect for our American flag? I have heard that it is a sign of defeat, a sign of disrespect for America, etc….
Thanks,
Jay

Comment on Update to U.S. Flag Half-Staff Primer by Deborah Hendrick

Deborah Hendrick — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:15:58 +0000

Don, I have struggled with your same question for years. When I started writing The Daily Flag, I spent days trying to find a government resource that would notify me when a half-staffing order had been issued. That information is always available through the White House press office, but that means the press office must be constantly monitored, and that’s not very efficient for most of us.

In Texas, we can sign up for an email alert from the Governor’s office, so we get quick notification of when the state flag has been lowered to half staff, or when the Governor calls for the U.S. flag to be lowered (a prerogative of all state governors by law).

I think a movement may be underway within the halls of the federal government to initiate a plan whereby all state governors will be notified when federal installations are notified (post offices for example, and federal court houses). I suggest that you contact your state governor’s office and see if they have a plan in place, or one in the works.

Best Wishes, and thank you for writing. Deborah

P.S. The most recent half-staffing order (for Fort Hood) called for flags to go back to full staff last night at sundown.

Comment on Veterans salute the flag—clarifying the change in the U.S. Code by erleclaire

erleclaire — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:46:15 +0000

If one reviews the code at the very beginning of this string of comments it is clear as to Uniform and Civilian attaire, and options. Key word is “may” that is used in the prescription of tendering a salute and or hand over heart. If not a veteran, hence no salute, and out of uniform, it is hat at left shoulder and hand at heart. Again, as a woman veteran, I salute, and it is to those with whom we have served with that I honor. Moreover, the principles and liberty that has come at so high a price.
Side note: TN has now issued a Women Veteran license plate. One now adorns my bumper and is drawing a lot of attention.

Estelle:)

Comment on Veterans salute the flag—clarifying the change in the U.S. Code by Sgt Dana Billotte

Sgt Dana Billotte — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:32:03 +0000

With regards to the discussion of being “covered” or “uncovered” – as a female, there are very few occasions when I find myself wearing a cover, especially when I would be attending an honored event like our upcoming Veterans Day celebration. The very fact that the the regulation assumes veterans are wearing civilian clothes means that a cover would be strictly optional. I do not feel that should prevent me from being able to render a salute to the flag that I served honorably for 14 years. So you can bet that I will be saluting at our outdoor flag raising this Wednesday!

Comment on Protocol for the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance by Deborah Hendrick

Deborah Hendrick — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:32:37 +0000

Maria, the custom of removing one’s hat as a sign of respect is originated around the same time of knights began wearing armor. A man whose face was obscured by his helmet and visor would tip up his visor so that others could see his face, or remove his helmet so that all could see who he was. The salute evolved from this practice, as did removing a hat, and it was a gesture of honor and respect.

Thank you for writing. Deborah

Comment on Protocol for the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance by Maria

Maria — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:00:05 +0000

Why is it a hat and not your shoes or other apparrel that is to be removed?