Flag ettiquette used to be taught in schools, but now patriotism seems to be a thing of the past; if we display pride in our country we're accused of racism and xenophobia. But this country
is the greatest nation in the world. Our Founding Fathers were God-fearing men who gave us the best system of government ever known to man. No, our country isn't perfect, but there's still
plenty of reason to be proud of it. And we can certainly show respect for our flag and our National Anthem; they both reflect the countless thousands who have given their lives that we may live in freedom. So this Memorial Day, as we honor those fallen dead, who served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice,
let's refresh ourselves on how we are to respect the Pledge of Allegience and our National Anthem.
Pledge Of Allegience And
National Anthem Ettiquette
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic
for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.
National Anthem:
(A) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(B) Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1)when the flag is displayed—
(a)individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(b)members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(c)all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2)when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident.I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners, My head is a little higher, My colors a little truer. I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped - I am saluted. I am loved - I am revered. I am respected - and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, in the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, and Vietnam all know me.
I was there.
I led my troops; I was dirty, battleworn and tired, But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield; When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier; or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter; I am proud.
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