Flag Day 2013

Today is Flag Day - fly it proudly today and always!

(and DO NOT use it as a tablecloth!)

It's also the U.S. Army's 238th birthday, so Happy Birthday!

From National Flag Day Foundation:

The “Stars and Stripes”, the official National symbol of the United States of America was authorized by congress on that Saturday of June 14, 1777 in the fifth item of the days agenda. The entry in the journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789 Vol. Vlll 1777 reads “Resolved that the flag of the thirteen United States be Thirteen stripes alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

....

On June 14th, 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19 year old teacher at Stony Hill School, placed a 10 inch, 38- star flag in a bottle on his desk then assigned essays on the flag and its significance. This observance, commemorated Congresses adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. This observance was also the beginning of Cigrand’s long years of fervent and devoted effort to bring about national recognition and observance of Flag Day. The crowning achievement of his life came at age fifty when President Wilson, on May 30, 1916, issued a proclamation calling for a nation wide observance of Flag Day. Then in 1949, President Truman signed an Act Of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. On June 14th, 2004, the 108th U.S. Congress voted unanimously on H.R. 662 that Flag Day originated in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

Some interesting flag locations and flag facts:

* In 1909 Robert Peary placed a flag, sewn by his wife, at the North Pole. He also left pieces of another flag along the way. It is the only time a person has been honored for cutting the flag.

* In 1963, Barry Bishop placed the flag on top of Mount Everest.

* In July 1969 the American flag was "flown" in space when Neil Armstrong placed it on the moon. Six US flags are currently stationed on the moon. They were put there by Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

* The first time the American flag was flown overseas on a foreign fort was in Libya, over Fort Derne, on the shores of Tripoli in 1805.

* Old Glory actually refers to a specific flag owned by Captain William Driver. Old Glory was made with 24 stars and 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. Old Glory traveled with Driver on his ship and circled the globe twice before retiring with Driver in Nashville. The flag was hidden away inside Driver’s bedspread in Nashville, when Tennessee seceded from the Union. When the war was over, Driver joyously ripped open his bedding to an astonished group of patriots to be proudly displayed for all to see. Sadly, due its fragile state and incredible historical and sentimental value, Old Glory’s last show was at the Tennessee State Museum in 2006. It now lives in the Smithsonian.

* The red, white and blue stripes are strictly defined as Dark Red (Pantone 193 C), White (Pantone safe), and Navy Blue (281 C).

* The current version of the US flag was designed by an 18 year old high school student, who only received a “B-“ for his efforts. Robert Heft, took exception to this grade, and issued his teacher a challenge: if Heft’s design proposal was accepted by Congress, he would deserve and receive an “A”. Heft earned his “A”, and by presidential proclamation in 1958, his design was officially adopted as the nation’s flag.

* Flag Day is always June 14th.

Memorial Day Tradition 2013

We moved into our current house in June, 2002. Each Memorial Day since, a small U.S. Flag has been placed in our yard - and in the yard of every house on our street.

Flags line 117th Street in Point Place.

I do not know the name of the man who places them, nor do I know his story, though I would like to. He puts them out early in the morning - early enough that no one is usually awake to see - on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.

In 2010, I met him - sort of.

I was in the middle of a project with my hands full when Sam came in and told me that the man who gives us the flag was coming up the street. By the time I got my hands cleaned up and got outside, he was already on the other side of the street (we're the last house on one side) and about 3 houses up...so I called out to him.

Either he didn't hear me - or didn't want to acknowledge me.

As I walked quickly after him and he didn't answer my hails, I wondered if he didn't want be thanked for what he was doing. If maybe my recognition of his act might embarrassment him in some way.

But even as these thoughts were going through my mind, my feet continued in his direction. Despite so many of his generation believing they require no thanks for the service they performed, I believe we owe them a lifetime of gratitude and that any opportunity to say 'thank you' should never go by without those words being said.

So as he placed another flag and I approached, I said, "Excuse me, sir," and he looked up at me. I offered my hand and he grasped it firmly. I was struck by how large and strong his hand was, but how also by how gently he took mine. He was wearing both a hat and shirt with military markings, but all I could see where his eyes. I don't even remember the color, just the fact that they were clear and kind.

I told him that I always wanted to know whom to thank for our flag and now I could do so in person.

He didn't say anything - just nodded and gave my hand an additional squeeze.

Then he turned and began walking back up the street, placing flag after flag...

And still I do not know his name - but I know his heart.

So to our neighbor who does this in honor of those made the ultimate sacrifice, thank you!

We will never forget.

'Occupiers' don't respect our flag

Below is a screen shot of a story about the Occupy Wall Street protest. What struck me was the photo, by Spencer Platt (Getty Images), of one of the protesters sleeping and using the U.S. Flag as a blanket.


Obviously, this person was never taught - or has chosen to ignore - the proper etiquette for our flag. And other protestors either don't care or don't have the internal fortitude to correct the individual.

So little respect ...

The 'flags for bureaucrats' act

I'm sure that's not what they'd like H.R. 2061 to be known as, but that's what some people are calling it: the 'flags for bureaucrats' act.

Officially, it's the Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011 and it would authorize the presentation of a U.S. Flag to the family of a federal employee who died while working for the government.

Under the Act, the head of an executive agency could pay for and present the flag when an individual who was an employee of the agency "dies of injuries incurred in connection with such individual's employment with the Federal government." The bill was introduced by Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY24) and has 18 co-sponsors.

Here is the background for the bill:

According to the sponsor’s office, nearly 3,000 federal civilian workers have died on the job since 1992. For those civilian employees who die in the course of service to their country, H.R. 2061 would authorize the presentation of a United States flag as a way to formally express sympathy and gratitude. There is currently no law authorizing the presentment of a flag to the families of civilian employees who lose their lives as a result of their employment. More than 100,000 civilian employees have served in Afghanistan and Iraq alongside military forces. Every year federal civilian employees are killed at home and abroad while doing their jobs. In the U.S., federal employees, from law enforcement officers to IRS employees, have given their lives while on duty.

I completely understand the desire to honor government employees for their service to the people of this nation. But I wonder if such presentations would diminish the tribute paid to our military for the voluntary act of putting their lives on the line for our defense. I do not want that to happen.

While in this day and age of terrorism or even the drug wars in Mexico, it may be a given that any federal employee is at risk, but they don't enter the service with the foreknowledge and expectation that they are offering their lives for us as the members of our military forces do. The presentation of the flag as a tribute paid to the family members of our military is a special thing - and my eyes tear up just thinking about the words that are said at the time: "on behalf of a grateful nation."

If you're an embassy worker who happens to be present when some idiots sets off a car bomb, is that really the same thing deserving of the 'on behalf of a grateful nation' presentation?

And what if you're an IRS agent who dies in a car accident on your way to an audit? Or if you die of a heart attack while protesting or picketing? The bill would allow the agency heads to present a flag under these circumstances if a family requests. And if a family were to request, would the agency head go against a union and say no?

Apparently, I'm not the only one who doesn't like this idea. Erick Erickson of RedState.com has also weighed in on the issue:

The act of folding the flag and giving it to the grieving family should mean something special. And when anyone who works for the federal government can get it, not just soldiers who died in active service protecting the country, it becomes just another trapping of power from the federal government available to all those people in the ever expanding federal bureaucracy.

If the military thought this was a good idea, I'd probably defer to them. But our veterans aren't happy with the bill either. The American Legion believes the bill "is a misguided attempt to equate civil service with military service." I agree.

The American Legion is denouncing a bill the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on today allowing for payment of "expenses incident to the presentation of a (U.S.) flag" for civilians who are killed while working for the federal government.

The Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011 (H.R. 2061) was introduced May 31 by Rep. Bill Hanna of New York. Noting that 3,000 federal employees have died since 1993, Hanna said, "Like members of the armed services, civilian federal employees are often in harm's way. Ours is a grateful nation, one that values the sacrifices made in honor of this country. A life can never be repaid, but it can be honored."

Fang Wong, newly elected national commander of the Legion, said the bill is a misguided attempt to equate civil service with military service.

"Congress needs to think twice before acting on this hastily written bill," Wong said. "Civil service workers do not sign a pledge to defend America with their lives, they are not forced to serve in combat zones, and their work routines do not include engaging enemy forces overseas."

The bill's advocates and the Committee of the Whole noted that presentation of a United States flag "is an appropriate way to honor Federal employees' contributions to the American public. The Committee believes these individuals are no less deserving of our respect than members of our armed forces." They point to legislation passed in 1993, allowing for civilians working with the military to be afforded the same privilege.

"This bill leaves far too much to be determined by a few individuals," said Tim Tetz, legislative director of The American Legion. "It allows agency heads to determine who may be eligible upon their deaths. It allows them to determine ‘next of kin.' It doesn't clearly identify associated costs, and it leaves far too much to be decided without any public feedback."

"We certainly respect the service and dedication of those who sign up for civil service," Wong said, "but these individuals pledge much less than our servicemembers and veterans. If federal employees die or are killed in service to America, they should be honored by a grateful nation. Just not in the same way as our military or veterans."

I understand that Rep. Hanna's office is meeting with the American Legion in order to draft some language that would address their concerns and a new vote on the bill has not yet been set.

There is still time to weigh in on the issue. If you believe this honor and tribute should be reserved to our military, be sure to call Congress and let them know: 202-224-3121.

Flag Day 2011

My apologies for the light postings the last several days - I've been extremely busy with a client...but not too busy to remind you that today is Flag Day.

From the National Flag Day Foundation:

In Waubeka, Wisconsin, in 1885 Bernard John Cigrand a nineteen year old school teacher in a one room school placed a 10” 38 star flag in an inkwell and had his students write essays on what the flag meant to them. He called June 14th the flag’s birthday. Stony Hill School is now a historical site. From that day on Bernard J. Cigrand dedicated himself to inspire not only his students but also all Americans in the real meaning and majesty of our flag.

...

This observance, commemorated Congresses adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. This observance was also the beginning of Cigrand’s long years of fervent and devoted effort to bring about national recognition and observance of Flag Day. The crowning achievement of his life came at age fifty when President Wilson, on May 30, 1916, issued a proclamation calling for a nation wide observance of Flag Day. Then in 1949, President Truman signed an Act Of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. On June 14th, 2004, the 108th U.S. Congress voted unanimously on H.R. 662 that Flag Day originated in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

Happy Flag Day - and remember to display it proudly and properly.

Flag Day 2010

Join us tonight at 7 p.m. in Friendship Park for a Flag Day Celebration.

From National Flag Day Foundation:

The “Stars and Stripes”, the official National symbol of the United States of America was authorized by congress on that Saturday of June 14, 1777 in the fifth item of the days agenda. The entry in the journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789 Vol. Vlll 1777 reads “Resolved that the flag of the thirteen United States be Thirteen stripes alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

....

On June 14th, 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19 year old teacher at Stony Hill School, placed a 10 inch, 38- star flag in a bottle on his desk then assigned essays on the flag and its significance. This observance, commemorated Congresses adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. This observance was also the beginning of Cigrand’s long years of fervent and devoted effort to bring about national recognition and observance of Flag Day. The crowning achievement of his life came at age fifty when President Wilson, on May 30, 1916, issued a proclamation calling for a nation wide observance of Flag Day. Then in 1949, President Truman signed an Act Of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. On June 14th, 2004, the 108th U.S. Congress voted unanimously on H.R. 662 that Flag Day originated in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

Some interesting flag locations and flag facts:

* In 1909 Robert Peary placed a flag, sewn by his wife, at the North Pole. He also left pieces of another flag along the way. It is the only time a person has been honored for cutting the flag.

* In 1963, Barry Bishop placed the flag on top of Mount Everest.

* In July 1969 the American flag was "flown" in space when Neil Armstrong placed it on the moon. Six US flags are currently stationed on the moon. They were put there by Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

* The first time the American flag was flown overseas on a foreign fort was in Libya, over Fort Derne, on the shores of Tripoli in 1805.

* Old Glory actually refers to a specific flag owned by Captain William Driver. Old Glory was made with 24 stars and 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. Old Glory traveled with Driver on his ship and circled the globe twice before retiring with Driver in Nashville. The flag was hidden away inside Driver’s bedspread in Nashville, when Tennessee seceded from the Union. When the war was over, Driver joyously ripped open his bedding to an astonished group of patriots to be proudly displayed for all to see. Sadly, due its fragile state and incredible historical and sentimental value, Old Glory’s last show was at the Tennessee State Museum in 2006. It now lives in the Smithsonian.

* The red, white and blue stripes are strictly defined as Dark Red (Pantone 193 C), White (Pantone safe), and Navy Blue (281 C).

* The current version of the US flag was designed by an 18 year old high school student, who only received a “B-“ for his efforts. Robert Heft, took exception to this grade, and issued his teacher a challenge: if Heft’s design proposal was accepted by Congress, he would deserve and receive an “A”. Heft earned his “A”, and by presidential proclamation in 1958, his design was officially adopted as the nation’s flag.

* Flag Day is always June 14th.

UPDATED: Konop tramples the U.S. Flag

If you view this farce of a video of Lucas County Commissioner and mayoral candidate Ben Konop, you'll see he's trying to make fun of the fact that he got booed and heckled at a press conference - and the video of that event made national news.

However, what you'll see is that the U.S. Flag gets knocked to the ground, trampled on, and never picked up.

Konop picks up a sign and a chair, but not the flag. In fact, each time he bends over, once for the sign and then again for the chair, I thought he was going to pick up the flag...but no.

No matter what the purpose of the video, this is not the way to treat our flag - and is certainly not acceptable behavior from a candidate and sitting commissioner.

UPDATE: As you can see from the link, the video has been removed (sometime this morning after it started getting media attention) and is no longer viewable at this site. Obviously Konop and his handlers realize that this was very stupid, completely irresponsible, disrespectful and damaging to his political aspirations.

Because I expected Konop to delete this, I videotaped it from the public domain and am providing that video here under Fair Use rules, as it demonstrates a newsworthy action of a public official:



In this Toledo Free Press article, Konop says this was a mistake that 'could have happened to a 60-year-old political.'

When asked about if participating in this video played into the idea that he is too young to be mayor, Konop said he is 33 years old, a commissioner, an attorney and a law professor. He said he believes he has acted maturely in elected office. This is a personal issue, not a campaign issue, he said.

Yeah - right! This is a campaign issue no matter how much he says it isn't.

WTOL also covered Konop's press conference and his comment that he hopes "to deal better with these kinds of situations in the future."

His failure to show the proper respect to the flag of our country, no matter what the circumstances, is a direct reflection on him and while he has apologized, it won't be forgotten.