Posted on 09/11/2005 9:38:50 AM PDT by ElkGroveDan
I feel the need to lower my flag to half staff today, but nothing in established flag protocol says I should.
I have a 24-foot pole in a suburban neighborhood. I spend the money to replace it with a nice clean 4x6 flag every three or four months. Most of my neighbors see it and compliment me on it and ask about it when I have lowered it.
I'd like to do something to draw attention to this day in history and to honor the heroes and the victims. I'd appreciate everyone's thoughts on this. (it's still only 9:30 here).
Flags are already at half-mast for Hurricane Katrina Vidtims.
What do you do with your old flags? I thought you're supposed to burn or bury them, but I can't bring myself to do it. Hence, I have a stack of used flags and don't know what to do with them.
You already have a reason to fly your flag at half-staff.
Proclamation by the President: Death of William HR Rehnquist
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
As a mark of respect for William H. Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including section 7 of title 4, United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, September 13, 2005. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
I thought they were in honor of Rehnquist.
You can fly it at night as long as you have a spotlight continually on it.
Give old flags to a local Boy Scout troop, they know what to do with them. You can find the Boy Scouts in the white pages under Boy Scouts of America
Right now both for Katrina and Renquest
also note this from your President:
Patriot Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Four years have passed since our country was brutally attacked on a quiet September morning. On that day, thousands of innocent lives were taken from us. The victims and the families who lost loved ones remain in the hearts and prayers of our Nation. We also remember the courage of the firefighters, police officers, emergency rescue personnel, and scores of private citizens who showed us the true meaning of heroism and demonstrated our resolve to the world.
The mission that began on September 11, 2001, continues. Today, we see the virtue of the September 11th heroes embodied in our military personnel, who are taking the fight to our enemies and helping to keep us safe at home. Thousands of other Americans, from intelligence analysts to border guards to countless others, are doing vital work to help defend America and prevent future attacks. We are grateful to all of these men and women and to their families for their service and sacrifice. We honor those who have lost their lives defending our freedom, and we pray that God comfort their families. We pledge that we will not rest until we have won the war on terror.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, I call upon all our citizens to express their patriotism and their gratitude for the blessings of liberty. By flying the flag, supporting military families, and teaching young people about our founding ideals, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and since, and we help preserve our freedom for future generations.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107 89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2005, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, to display the flag at half staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050909-12.html
The US Flag code on this changed some years ago. It is available on line and in any good Almanac.
I installed an automatic spotlight on it, so unless it's raining, I never take it down. We get some pretty strong wind in the fall here that will shred even a good nylon flag. I figure $30 three times a year isn't so much to honor the flag that my ancestors fought and died for.
"My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?"
Section 8k of the Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service.
Here's all you need to know about displaying our Flag:
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
I used to have the same problem, but I discovered that my local VFW would take them and dispose of them respectfully, so that's another possibility with the Boy Scouts.
Here's what I found. I cannot locate a Presidential Proclamation for today regarding September 11th. Maybe there's some other way you could display your respect today...?
Your flag should be flown at half-mast upon reliable information that a past or present President or Vice-President has died. It should also be flown at half-staff upon Presidential proclamation. See Section 7-M below for more information.
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection -
o the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
o the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
o the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
Flag is never to be flown in the dark or rain.
I think that has been changed a little. If the flag material is suitable for inclement weather it may be flown in the rain.
It should be retired at sunset if it is not lighted.
Interesting. I live in the Southeast and fly mine during good weather and it looks brand new although it is about two years old. But we do not usually get strong winds (the weather would be more acceptable if we DID every now and again.) Also the tall southern pines protect it from the harshest sunlight.
Me, too.
Drove by a school yesterday and their flag was at half staff. My daughter-in-law thought it was for the flood victims.
I said "I think it's for Rehnquist."
Proclamation posted on post #10
There is nothing wrong with flying your flag at half staff. We have ours that way in honor of the fallen of 9-11. We're proud to honor all of them in that manner.
Gee Dan:
Maybe you could spend a little time in remembrance of the losses we suffered on that day. The totally innocent
people who lost their lives to bloody madmen and their sponsors in that unforgettable tragic horror-filled day. The lives of brave fire and police personnel and their families. The economic toll that followed that terrible day. All the other things that count when your nation comes under brutal surprise attack.
Anything Dan, except what to do with your flag.
Thanks, I hadn't noticed. That's what's so great about FR. Ask a question, get an answer.
Now does anyone have anything I can help with?
We do the same thing. If it wasn't for all those that died before us so that we could live we would not only NOT be able to fly our flag but we wouldn't have .30 centsto rub together much less $30.
God bless America.
That was my intent. The flag is an important part of that.
I recently disposed of a frayed-on-the-edges US Flag quietly in the backyard. I took a Number 10 Can like the ones in which veggies come for restaurants or cafeterias. I folded the flag neatly, poured A LITTLE gasoline on it, and dropped a match on it. The only parts left were the two metal grommets which I put in the metal recycle bin at county dump. The process takes about 5-6 minutes...quiet, dignified and respectful.
Flags should still be at half mast for the Chief justice and possibly for Katrina victims, though I have not seen the protocol announcement for Katrina.
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ummm your attack does very very little to further this discussion.
What Dan brings up is a very pertinent question about the flying of the flag on this day.
It won't be every year that we would have had a Chief Justice die just before September 11th.
Is it just me, or is that flag hanging backwards?
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The upside down U.S. flag is an official signal of distress. It is not meant to be, and is not officially recognized as any type of disrespect when so displayed for the right reasons. To the contrary, here is the relevant part of the US Code of Laws regarding how to fly the flag when in distress: Most individuals who have served in the military service of our nation will (or should) recognize this signal. As a result of the unconstitutional acts, legislation and atrocities passed and/or committed by government agencies and officials against increaing numbers of US citizens and their life, liberty and property ... and as a result of policies that have allowed (and continue to allow) enemies of this nation to enter in large numbers through a porous immigration policy, I believe the life, liberty and property of US Citizens are in extreme and dire danger and distress. |
I'm not done yet ping...
The flag should never be disrespected, nor desecrated.
Frankly, I don't believe that the American flag is desecrated by falling upon American soil. Its another thing entirely to become soiled in dirt, but the specific act of touching hallowed American soil upon which countless heros blood has been soaked into, in no way, shape or form is desecrating. I believe that to be true regardless of where the flag touches the ground (say Iwo Jima, or the shores of Tripoli, or Normandy), but would not be true say in Moscow, or Vietnam. If the flag hits the ground anywhere in the continuous United States of America, including Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, it is not desecrated. If it becomes soiled that's a different story entirely, as throwing the U.S. Flag through the wash and rinse cycle is not honorable IMHO. Merely touching the ground in and of itself is not desecrating, but should the Stars & Bars fall to the ground, for example in a location like Qatar (or Taiwan, Japan, Britain, Iraq, etc.) it would need to be destroyed.
The flag should not be flown at night unless it is illuminated.
Flags that have become tattered or bleached should be properly relieved of duty (not disposed of). The could be relieved of duty in a solemn hibatchi ceremony. Frankly, I see nothing wrong with throwing a U.S. flag into a mulcher, mixing with some American compost to be used to grow stuff in America. That's honorable. What is dishonorable is to relegate an old flag to a landfill.
A good topic for today.
Outstanding!
Thanks. I wore my Sept. 11 In Memorium shirt to honour the date, and the memory of all who perished that day, and in the days that followed.
>>I thought they were in honor of Rehnquist.
>>Me, too.
>>Drove by a school yesterday and their flag was at half staff. My daughter-in-law thought it was for the flood victims.
>>I said "I think it's for Rehnquist."
It's BOTH
Rehnquist: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050904-3.html - until sunset today
Katrina victims:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050904-2.html - until sunset 20-Sept-2005.
LOL!
So, my daughter-in-law & I were both right!
Wait 'til I tell her!
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