Delegates to the Constitutional Convention approved and signed the document on September 17, 1787.

John Hartvigsen

September 17 celebrates the United States Constitution’s creation 233 years ago.  The American Founders not only worked out details of how thirteen former British Colonies would be governed, they put it in writing. That may seem expected today; however, the United States of America’s Constitution has the honor not only of being the oldest written constitution, but it is also has been continually in force longer than any other nation.  France, for example, followed our example and created a constitution a few years after us.  However, the French have created more than 15 constitutions.  Even if some were never put in force, that is quite a few.  Other nations have also had several written constitutions.

The United States of America, therefore, has the oldest and most robust Constitution in history.

September 17^th is designated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day with good reason.  New citizens take an oath of allegiance promising to “support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic.”  Members of our armed forces and other government officials promise to do the same.

How then can we celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day?  Here are some suggestions for families:

• Fly and display the flag of the United States of America, which is the chief symbol of the Constitution.
• Discuss the importance of our Constitutional form of government.
• Hold a family ceremony to raise the Stars & Stripes that may include reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Discuss how we honor the Constitution and the flag by how as we perform our citizenship duties.
• With the national election less than two months away, study the issues & candidates and then vote.
• The Constitution & Amendments repeatedly guarantees for all citizens the right to vote.  Make sure your vote counts.
  

  The Preamble begins with the words, “We the People…,” which declares that the power to govern comes from the people and not from a monarch.

• Read the Constitution starting with the opening paragraph known as the Preamble. It explains the concepts found in the full text.
• Study the Constitution’s principles & guarantees. It may not be written in the most readable fashion, but the meaning of each section and amendment is worth making the effort to understand.

The Constitution of the United States of America is worth
studying, understanding and celebrating.

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School children hold out the unfurled Star-Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry’s interior Parade Ground.

John Hartvigsen

Francis Scott Key, a 35 year old lawyer, wrote a poem titled, “Defence of Fort M’Henry”  early in the morning of September 14, 1814.  Expressing  his feelings when he saw the Garrison Flag still flying over Fort McHenry,  Key knew that the fort had not surrendered during the battle that had raged throughout the night.

Set to music the poem appeared with  a new name as the “Star-Spangled Banner.”  The meter of the poem fit that of a British tune, “The Anacreontic Song.”  Key’s poem that became a song grew in popularity throughout the 19^th century and into the 20^th century.  Finally, in 1931 Congress approved a bill that Herbert Hoover signed into law making the “Star-Spangled Banner” our National Anthem.

At the beginning Francis Scott Key had been against the War of 1812, but when British troops invaded his homeland, he took up the patriot cause and negotiated exchange of prisoners with the enemy.  Living in 19^th century Maryland, he had a mixed  record about slavery as did many of his contemporary countrymen.  We should not judge by 21^st century sensitivities and values, but rather acknowledge him and others for their contributions.  They were not perfect, and neither are we.

A new challenge to the Anthem’s meaning is that “it’s racist; it doesn’t represent our community, it’s anti-black.”

This interpretation comes for taking a phrase out of context from the third stanza, which is rarely sung.  A careful reading clearly shows that the entire stanza describes the enemy and not Fort McHenry’s defenders.  It is derogatorily comparing the British troops and sailors as “hirelings and slaves.”  It does not express support for slavery or suggest that inferiority of blacks.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Twenty-first century values are best expressed by the last stanza:

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation.
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

All were not freemen in 1814, but during the Civil War Americans paid with there blood to atone for and end slavery.  We have made great progress in ending racial prejudice, but we are still struggling to win victory over racism, for “our cause it is just.”

“And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”  We still strive to make Key’s words a reality for all Americans.

The post Then Conquer We Must, When Our Cause It is Just first appeared on flag-post.com.

John Hartvigsen

For more than a century, Aussies have sung “Waltzing Matilda” as they carried Australia’s blue ensign flag bearing the seven-pointed Commonwealth Star along with the five stars of the Southern Cross constellation.

The song, written in the 1890s and the Australian Flag adopted in 1901 joined to foster patriotism as soldiers fought in wars often far from their homeland. The song and flag identified brave Australian fighting men the world over.

Australia’s beautiful flag turns 119 on September 3, 2020.

As with many nations that once formed the British Empire, the inclusion of the Union Jack has drawn criticism. This is a question for Australians and not for outsider flag redesigns advocates.

Today is Australian Flag Day commemorating the flag’s adoption on September 3^rd of 1901. Join with me in celebrating this land Down Under on this the Australian Flag’s 119^th birthday:

Australian soldiers marching on a Pucapunyal Camp road in 1940, which has been a training base beginning during WWI.

• Appreciate the flag’s beauty and history.
• Listen to a rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” at the link— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ52jOcXlfc that is set against inspiring photographs illustrating the song.
• Listen to Mirusia Louwerse, known as “The Angel of Australia,” sing “I Am Australian” at the link—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtpBUQoVups , which tells the story of his island continent.
• This moving song is worth a second hearing at the link—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY_tl-N93AY presented as a sing along by “the many” who “are Australian.

ABC Australia created a stirring “WE Are One” sing along.

Wishing Australians continued growth and success on their flag’s Day

The post Celebrate Australian Flag Day first appeared on flag-post.com.

The headline, “Woman defended family with American flag” catches attention in a time when debates about 2^nd Amendment rights revolve around more lethal weapons.  Mi “pikes.”  Infantry men carried long thrusting spears called pikes from the late Middle Ages until the early 18^th century.  Attached to a pike, a military flag (called a color) is sometime called a flagstaff, but its relation to the pike weapon shows on military colors topped by a spearhead finial.

Mel Gibson using the Stars & Stripes as weapon in 2000’s film, The Patriot.

In Mel Gibson’s movie The Patriot, Benjamin Martin—the title character played by Gibson—uses a pike with flag attached as a weapon to dispatch the villainous redcoat Colonel William Tavington.

When a would be burglar recently attached a family in their front yard, a woman grabbed a flagstaff with flag attached breaking the pole as she defended her family by beating the intruder until the family could seek refuge in their house and call the police.  Although they locked the front door, the intruder kicked in the door resuming his attacks upon family members until the police arrived.

The woman’s flag staff was not a true pike and had no spearhead finial.  However, the woman pulled the flag and pole from its mounting bracket from the front porch and defended her family.  After the police arrived, she worried that the flag fell to the ground when the pole broke.  She had no reason to think she dishonored the flag since the Stars & Stripes symbolizes our defense against tyranny.  Mel Gibson’s flag also touched the ground as he fought in battle. It is not that a flag falls to the ground that dishonors it, rather the brave deeds done by Americans defending their rights honors the flag.  It was the intruder who dishonored the flag and not the woman attacked.

Utah’s South Salt Lake police honored the flag as they took the intruder into custody.  Taking up a collection, the officers replaced the flag and flagstaff in a gesture that also honored the flag.

Utah’s South Salt Lake police officer pose after replacing woman’s flag broken during home invasion.

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The U.S. Constitution went into effect in 1789 and that year saw George Washington inaugurated as the first President of the newly established Federal government.  Yes, 1789 was an extremely significant year; however, the year that followed saw critical events including the Compromise of 1790, which Lin-Manual Miranda immortalized in the song “The Room Where It Happened.”   Not only does the musical Hamilton highlight the Compromise for 21^st Century audiences but we find specifics of the song and Alexander Hamilton’s efforts have surprising currency today.

• Washington, District of Columbia’s support for statehood to enfranchise D.C. residents in federal elections.
• Alexander Hamilton and other Founders pictured on Federal currency, which some argue ignores the contributions of others.
• Congressional authorization of the Revenue-Marine or Revenue Cutter Service at Hamilton’s urging.

The U.S. Coast Guard Flag flies over Coast Guard facilities and bases on land, and the flag is carried in ceremonies at the U.S. Coast Guard Color.  Its central design is pictured as the union of the Coast Guard Ensign.

The first two items have political support and oppositions, and they are only mentioned to show how history continues to affect the present.  They will be argued and decided by other folks at other locations.  The third on the list reflects on of many Hamilton efforts in founding  an effective Department of the Treasury.  He requested authorization for an armed customs enforcement service and  Congress created the Revenue-Marines, which was at first called the Revenue Cutter Service.

The first military service created under the U.S. Constitution, the Revenue Cutter Service became the United States Coast Guard, and its Cutters (still the name for Coast Guard ships) have served continually since the 3^rd of August 1790.

When engaged in law enforcement actions, Coast Guard Cutters fly the United States Coast Guard Ensign, which has vertical red and white stripes following the pattern of the Revenue Cutter Service’s flag.

The U.S. Coast Guard serves today under the Department of Homeland Security defending our shores and waters while providing whatever services are needed.  Shipping disasters, hurricanes, and individual rescues all find the U.S. Coast Guard in action.

The Coast Guard flies two separate flags: on land they fly and carry the U.S. Coast Guard flag, and at sea Coast Guard Cutters fly an ensign that descends from the flag of the Revenue Cutter Service.  Both flags identify and honor the United States Coast Guard, which has served continuously for 230 years.

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard and the brave men & women who fill her ranks.

The distinctive red and blue slash marks on a white painted hull mark a U.S. Coast Guard Vessel with the seal of the Revenue Cutter Service in the upper left and Alexander Hamilton looking proudly down from the opposite corner.

The post The Room and Ocean Where It Happened first appeared on flag-post.com.

John Hartvigsen

Utah’s great holiday, Utah’s great state flag, and Utah’s history intertwine in celebration of Pioneer Day every July 24th, and like the nation’s Independence Day that is known simply as the Fourth, Pioneer Day is known locally as the Twenty-fourth.   This may seem strange to visitors or those new to the state, and some locals may find it irritating that so much emphasis is given to the settlers of 1847.  Their arrival in the Salt Lake Valley comprises only one event of Utah’s storied history.  However, the Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock are remembered and celebrated in Massachusetts, William Penn stands atop city hall in Philadelphia remembering his role in founding Pennsylvania, and the nickname “Land of Lincoln” identifies Illinois, acknowledging Lincoln’s role in the state’s history.  It is equally appropriate to celebrate the early settlers of Utah who laid the footings upon which many who followed built the foundations upon which modern Utah rests.

Based on the design of Utah’s Great Seal, which was adopted in 1896, the Utah State flag’s beautiful current design was created by Utah artist Perry Van Schelt in 2011.

The Utah State flag encapsulates more than just Utah’s founding.  The flag depicts symbols which relate stories of Utah’s founding and growth.

• Skep Beehive. Central on a shield appears the skep (straw cone shaped hive) beehive, and it identifies Utah at home, in the nation and around the world.  Utah is the Beehive State, the state emblem is the beehive, the state insect is the Honey Bee, the state astronomical symbol is the beehive cluster, and the state exhibits a prolific array of beehives and bees.  Visiting Great Salt Lake City in 1861, Mark Twain pronounced “Utah’s crest” the perfect symbol for Utah and her residents, “And it was simple, unostentatious, and fitted like a glove.  It was a beehive, with all the bees at work!”
• Honey Bees. As Twain noted, honeybees swarm around the hive.  A skep beehive is just an upside down straw basket without its colony of bees, and Utah’s residents have been and are an industrious lot.  The Honey  Bee is Utah’s official State Insect and completes the beehive on Utah’s flag.
  The hard-working nature of Utahns is proclaimed by the Utah State Motto, INDUSTRY, which is lettered above the Beehive beset with bees.  Describing farmers, miners and tradesmen of Utah in early years, it now recognizes Utah’s vibrant economy that serves as a model for the nation. Businesses from all around the country relocate to Utah recognizing that Utah is the place.
• Sego Lilies. The State Flower (Calochortus nuttallii or Sego Lily) grows on each side of the Beehive. These wildflowers produced gorgeous blooms that challenged the rugged desert clime long before pioneer settlers arrived in the Great Basin.  Utes and Paiutes, who had learned how to live off the land, ate the plant’s bulbs and shared this knowledge with early settlers, who also ate the bulb in their days of food shortage.
• State’s Name. The Ute tribe is commemorated by the state’s name, UTAH, which appears in block letters below the hive.  The Spanish called tribes living in our boundaries  the Yuta, which is said to be derived from other tribal languages spoken by neighboring Navajos and Apaches.  It may have come from the Apache word Yuttahih, which means “one that is higher up” or “those that are higher up.”  However the state’s name originated, it honors the Ute tribe.
• Arrows. Placed at the top of the shield is another symbolic representation of the peoples that roamed the area before the arrival of pioneer settlers.  Six arrows pierce the shield that represent bands of the Shoshone nation: the Shoshoni,  the Bannock, the Utes, the Paiute, the Goshutes along with the Navajo.
• Two Years. Numerals for two years describe a period known as the “Struggle for Statehood” with 1847 appearing below the word UTAH and 1896 placed below the shield. Congress created a Utah Territory in 1850 but rejected repeated petitions for statehood until 1895.  Utah’s size grew smaller as a ring of surrounding states gained admittance with Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming each taking a chunk of Utah lands upon admission.  Finally, in 1896, Utah’s rising star finally appeared in Old Glory as the 45^th state entered the union.
• Flags & Bald Eagle. Celebrating Utahns demonstrated their excitement by making what was then the world’s largest flag, which measured 74 by 132 feet for display at Utah’s inauguration.  The flag declared, “We finally made it!  Utah is a state.” This excitement appears on the state flag with two U.S. flags with crossed flagstaffs placed behind the shield and a bald eagle perched atop the shield.  First used for the Great Seal of Utah, a golden ring surrounds and completes this pattern, which is placed on a blue field.

In recent years, flag re-design activists—yes, they really do exist—have busied themselves lobbying various state legislature to discard flag designs that activists have branded as “bad flags.”  Flags are not just about design.  Symbolism is a chief component that gives a flag meaning, and the people who fly a flag give a banner its ultimate meaning.  Design, symbolism and history join together to create a successful flag.  Utah’s flag is known, recognizable and beautiful.  A Great Flag for a Great State.

The United States flag and the Utah State flag grace the Utah State Capitol’s Gold Room and provide Utah’s Governor, Gary R. Herbert, with a favored setting for interview and press photos.

The Twenty-fourth of July, Pioneer Day, and the Utah State Flag encourage us to embrace Utah’s history as together we open new doors to the future.

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The Statue of Liberty and the Stars and Stripes welcomes many Americans returning home.

John Hartvigsen

As a lifelong student of flag studies formally known as vexillology, it has been exciting to tell the stories of flags and specially to share the story of the United States flag.  Scholars argue about some details of the flag’s history, but the real challenge has been to explain what the flag means and why it is important.  Flags are emotion charged emblems, and Americans have experiences involving the flag that are hard to put into words. Sir Walter Scot expressed feelings of patriotism well is his narrative poem, “The Lay of the Last Minstrel,” which reads in the 6^th Canto:

Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!
Whose heart hath ne’er within him burned
As home his footsteps he hath turned
From wandering on a foreign strand!

As a serviceman assigned abroad, I know the feeling of seeing Old Glory flying on my return to American soil.  Of course, other national flags could have the same effect for their countrymen.

Yet, American’s have a special tie to the U.S. flag that other countries see as pronounced.  Flags are flown in the U.S. from homes, stores, business, organization in addition to display by the government and military.  The flag of the United States is the great symbol of our unity as a people representing our common history, culture, values and aspirations.  However, what does its pattern mean and what do its colors symbolize?

On the British Union Jack flown during the American Revolution, red & white symbolized England’s Cross of St. George while blue & white came from Scotland’s Cross of St. Andrew. Together, the represented the UNION of the two nations as the Kingdom of Great Britain.

While there are many symbolic things about the U.S. flag, let’s look at just three: (1) The Colors Red, White & Blue; (2) The Thirteen Red & White Stripes and (3) Fifty Stars in a Blue Canton.

1. We inherited our national colors of red, white & blue from Great Britain, the colonies Mother Country. Those three colors are displayed of the Union Jack or Union Flag of Great Britain, and the colors and the names of the flag meant the UNION of England and Scotland.  That flag, perhaps, inspired the 13 British American Colonies to unite in settling their grievances with the Mother Country.  While they never recorded what the colors meant to them, the flag and the colors symbolized UNION to 18^th Century Americans.
   

   Thirteen red & white stripes symbolized the thirteen British North American Colonies that UNITED to create the UNITED States of America.

2. We usually describe the thirteen stripes simply as representing the original thirteen states, and while this is true—there is a deeper meaning. The stripes symbolized the UNION of thirteen British American Colonies that UNITED to create the UNITED States of America.  The Stripes made up the field of some flags but were often displayed as a UNION device in the canton corner of flags.

Thirteen original states have grown into fifty as symbolized on the current U.S. flag.  Will we get a 51st star for the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico?

3. Thirteen white stars in a blue field replace the British Union Jack when the UNITED State of America declared independence, and new stars have been added as the American UNION has grown to 50 states. We now name of the starry constellation as the flag’s UNION.

In all three flag symbols, the same idea appears again and again, and I have quite obviously shown a word repeatedly in all capitol letters.      The symbols on the flag of the UNITED States of America symbolize our UNION.  The Stars and Stripes are the great symbol of our shared history, values and aspirations as a people.  We have united in war and peace to overcome difficulty and strife.  Today we need that UNITED effort to fully embrace our values of securing “liberty and justice for all.”

The post What Do the Stars & the Stripes Mean? first appeared on flag-post.com.

John Hartvigsen

Virginia’s Colonial Capitol in Williamsburg.

The creation of an American republic began when British American Colonists rejected rule of both parliament and king.  The Latin term res publica translates loosely as “the affairs of the public.”  Ancient Greece and Rome had described their nations as republics,

However, the Greece and Rome republics did not offer examples that would work in 18^th Century North America.

Perhaps surprisingly, colonial governments under British rule, with important modifications, served as the pattern for American republican government, and colonial governments followed the pattern of Great Britain monarchy.  Virginia’s colonial government is a good example.

An appointed Royal Governor assisted by the Council of State with 12 members appointed for life ruled the colony.  The Governor and Council filled several roles:

• Executive functions
  The Royal Governor represented both the Monarch and the Parliament
  The Council advised the Royal Governor served as the Cabinet
• Legislative functions
  The Council of State acted as the upper house of the Virginia’s legislature with the elected members of the House of Burgesses forming the other legislative body.
• Judicial functions
  The Royal Governor with the Council acted as the highest court in the Colony.

Seal of the Virginia Governor’s Council symbolized the Council’s Role for Executive, Legislative & Judicial roles.  King James I is shown on one side with the his Royal Coat of Arms on the other side.

The colonist created a government that included a chief executive, a cabinet, a legislature with an upper and lower house, and a high court; however, they created the Separation of Powers concept of government, whereby the same persons could not hold positions in more than one of the three branches of government.  The chief executive could not serve in the legislature and the judiciary. The Council could not fill the roles of the cabinet, the upper house of the legislature and the supreme court.

George Washington, the first U.S. President under the Constitution, served as head of state.  The Cabinet Secretaries, although not mentioned in the Constitution administer the departments of the federal government, and the Supreme Court served as the highest court of the land.

Even today, the United Kingdom has a head of state (the queen), a head of government (the Prime Minister), a Cabinet to head government departments, a legislature (the House of Lords & the House of Commons), and a Supreme Court (the highest court in the Kingdom).  As a Constitutional Monarchy, the United Kingdom, like the United States, is a representative democracy.  However, the Prime Minister and the cabinet members still serve as members of the House of Commons.

The Separation of Powers divides the powers of the U.S. Federal Government into three branches.

Our governments have a common source, but our Republic includes the Separations of Powers created by our founders.

The post What Does a Republic Look Like? first appeared on flag-post.com.

In a list of sovereign nations, the U.S. and the UK are listed together under U.

John Hartvigsen

If our nation’s full name is United States of America, then our first name is United, and that name stretches all the way back to the Declaration of Independence. However, the idea of forming a union goes back to 1607 when England and Scotland united to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. In 1801 the British parliament added Ireland to their union creating the United Kingdom, and so Britain’s fist name is United just like ours.

Britain’s Union Jack dated from 1606 , when King Kames IV of Scotland became King James I of England, but it was a union of crown that became a political union the following year.

The idea of union runs much deeper than just the word, and Colonists saw the idea symbolized with the Union Jack and numerous other British Flags. It is no wonder they found the concept of union a good idea.

At first, colonial resistance against parliament’s acts that they considered “intolerable” took place colony by colony. However, at Maryland’s insistence, delegates of the First Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia. Not a legislative body at first, this was a gathering where delegates could share concerns, ideas and plans that united their efforts. The word congress came from Latin com “with, together” and grati “to walk.” Delegates from thirteen colonies would walk together through war to create an independent nation made possible by a united effort.

The beginning of the Declaration of Independence’s first page declares our nation’s name as the United State of America.

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Political cartoons of the late 18th Century often used rebus puzzles like this one that reads:  “Great Britain toe (to) my dear Daughter Amer (eye) ca.”

John Hartvigsen

A detail showing flags pictured in John Trumbull’s painting of the Declaration of Independence’s signing.

The United States and the United Kingdom have been strong allies and friends for over a century, and the American Revolution notwithstanding, the special relationship the two nations share stretches deep into American culture.  Indeed, before the difficulties that led up to the Revolutionary War, Britain and her North American Colonies had a familial relationship of Mother Country and offspring anxious to grow up to be like Mother.

18^th Century political cartoons often depicted Britain and her North American Colonies as Mother and Daughter.  When independence came, that did not sever common heritage and the United States of America inherited many traits from the Great Britain, and the list is longer that most Americans would realize.

Independence was hard one, with eight long years of bitter conflict.  Nevertheless, the founders of the new republic didn’t discard everything British simply because of association with a former enemy.   In that way, we showed confidence on our independence.

During these few days leading up to America’s Independence Day, let’s consider a few things an independent United States inherited from their Colonial Mother Country.  There are many inherited traits, but here are a few we can consider:

• The Idea of Union and Our Name.
• The Pattern of Government for Our New Republic
• The Pattern and Colors of Our Flag
• The Melodies of Our Patriotism

Join with us Tuesday through Friday of Independence Day Week culminating on Saturday, July 4, 2020 with a posting giving 21^st Century meaning to the Independence as we continue our national journey together.

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John Hartvigsen

I fly the Stars and Stripes especially on Flag Day, the 14^th of June; however, there is a second flag with great historical significance that I also fly: the U.S. Army Color, since the Continental Congress founded the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775, a full year before the Declaration of Independence and two years before the U.S. flag Resolution when the Continental Congress adopted the Flag of the United States of America.  Army Day is often overshadowed by Flag Day, but excuse my pride as an Army Vet, the Declaration of Independence would not have been possible without the Army.  Okay, the Marines and the Navy also played an important role in winning Independence for the United States of America.

One of the six flags displayed by Colonial Flag Foundation Healing Field® and Field of Honor® flag display events each year, the flags honor the Armed Forces that from the American Revolution to the war against terrorism have defended us as a nation and a people.  Individuals and especially veterans display the flags of the U.S. military services.  As a proud U.S. Army veteran, I display the Army Color to honor all those who have worn the army uniforms of our nation.

The original War Office seal showed the year 1778 in Roman Numerals.

The United States Army, of course, descended from the Continental Army, and the original Seal of the War Office, adopted in 1778, provides a fascinating and historic design that includes symbols recognizable in the late 18^th Century but that can use interpretations in the 21^st Century.

The main design depicts an ancient Greek tropaion, a memorial set up after a battle to honor the victors.  Our modern word trophy comes from this ancient way to honor victors.  These ancient memorials placed captured military equipment, weapons and standards on and around a tree stump, rock or stake; however, the 18^th Century American Army tropaion placed emblematic American military arms, flags and standards symbolizing the included motto “This We’ll Defend.”

• The Breastplate, a Roman cuirass provides at the center of the design and represents strength in defense.
• The sword points up and is flanked by an spontoon or pole weapon and a musket with fixed bayonet are weapons carried by Continental Army soldiers.
• A cannon, mortar, cannon balls and bombs symbolize artillery that supported infantry attacks.
• The two flags displayed depict the Stars & Stripes carried as a National Color, with another flag including no specific design, which symbolized Colors that varied with each regiment.
• Atop the upward pointing sword is the Cap of Liberty or Phrygian cap worn by free slaves of ancient Rome.
• A rattlesnake with thirteen rattles arches around a scroll bearing the motto: “This We’ll Defend,” rather than the more common, “Don’t Tread on Me.”
• A red scroll with the designation, “United States Army,” makes clear that the Army “will be the defender of the nation, and the numerals 1775 honor the year of the Army’s founding.

Flag of the United States Army

With its intricate design the U.S. Army flag used to be expensive to produce, but modern digital printing makes it available at a reasonable price for all Army vets and Americans who want to honor our senior military branch of service.  I will be flying mine.  Go Army!

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The Stars & Stripes float majestically with Utah’s Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop.

John Hartvigsen

At 243 years old, the flag of the United States couldn’t look better.  Her thirteen red and white strips are vibrant and crisp, while the fifty white stars in her blue union shine brightly.  The fifty-star flag, adopted sixty years ago in 1960, is the only version many Americans can remember.  However, the number of stars in the union have increased regularly from thirteen to fifty in twenty-seven patterns with each flag mirroring the number of states in the federal union at its adoption.

While countries circling the globe fly their own national flags, Americans have an unusually strong attachment to the Stars & Stripes.  Some countries think Americans a bit strange when it comes to their flag.  Not having a monarch or a non-political head of state, it is the red, white & blue of the flag symbolizes the United States of America.

U.S. Flag have been posted on the moon, not in conquest or to claim lunar lands but to honor achievement.

Americans fly their flag at times of despair and times of triumph.  However, always the flag encourages Americans to greater and finer actions.  The iconic photo of six U.S. Marines raising Old Glory over Mount Suribachi inspired battle weary U.S. combatants during the ferocious battle to capture Iwo Jima.  The photograph bolstered American resolve in the push for final victory.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11^th in 2001, a strikingly similar photograph of three New York firefighters raising a U.S. flag over the devastating rubble at Ground Zero untied responders to the tragedy while expressing hope in the future.

The U.S. flag has been there at times marking American achievement.  The first U.S. lunar landing a little over fifty years ago provides a telling example.  American astronauts, the fist humans to set foot on the lunar surface, carried and planted the Stars & Stripes.  All six U.S. lunar landings included ceremonial postings of the United States national flag.  These posting, not done to claim lunar territory, honored the united effort of an American team, which made scientific achievement for America and mankind.

This cartoon refers back to iconic photographs of the Iwo Jima flag raising during World War II and three New York firefighters raising a flag at Ground Zero.

Accompanying the U.S. flag are numerous other flags that have significant meaning to American groups.  State flags represent the fifty stars on the flag’s union.  Flags of the Armed Forces honor each of the U.S. military forces.  During the pandemic folks wanted flags to honor medical professions and so many others who carried out critical services to keep Americans safe, safe and fed.  Some have asked, “Isn’t there a flag to honor all the armed forces, all veterans, all first responders, all COVID-19 heroes?”

The Flag of the United States of America honor all groups and individuals that have, through service and sacrifice for the grater good of our nation and peoples.  In the words of one military veteran, “The U.S. flag says it all.”  As is does so, it encourages all Americans to offer service above self.  The Flag of the United States of America is the great symbol of our shared history, values and aspirations

Happy Birthday, Old Glory.  May you wave in inspiration of a united people for generations to come.

The post Old Glory Turns 243 Years Old on Flag Day, June 14th first appeared on flag-post.com.

Posted Monday, June 1^st

During the days leading up to the D-Day Anniversary, Colonial Flag Foundation posted short Facebook postings during the first six days of June focusing on aspect of D-Day’s 76^th Anniversary.  These demonstrate how the world came together in the time of crisis offering now the hope that the world unite to win victory against a danger that has impacted the world’s peoples and economies.  Despite difficulties, there is hope for a brighter future.  That is the message of D-Day on its 76^th Anniversary.  Flag-Post now presents the texts and pictures that Colonial Flag Foundation posted on Facebook. These daily posting received high interests, and we publish them together for those who may not have seen them or may have missed one or more days of the Facebook postings.

D-Day Minus 5
As we commemorate the 75^th Anniversary of World War II’s end, the significance of the 1944’s D-Day invasion of Fortress Europe one year earlier becomes apparent.  A successful landing would open the way to total victory, but Allied forces pushed back into the sea would jeopardize the entire war effort.

The term D-Day is not unique to June 6, 1944, rather it has been and is still used to designate the start date of many military operations.  This is useful military shorthand since D+4 means four days after D-Day and D-4 indicates 4 days before D-Day of any given operation.  Nevertheless, D-Day of the Normandy invasion has swallowed up other uses of the term in popular usage.  Describing days before and after the invasion mark June 6, 1944 as a pivotal point in history of the Twentieth Century.

Posted Tuesday, June 2^nd

D-Day Minus 4
It is almost impossible to visualize the magnitude of Operation Overlord, better known to us simply as D-Day.  During a stretch of extremely stormy weather in early June of 1944, 156,000 U.S., British and Canadian troops waited anxiously aboard ships, airmen readied planes & gliders at air strips while commanders looked for a break in the weather that would allow the massive invasion of Fortress Europe to begin.

British and Canadian Forces landed at beaches code named Gold, Juno and Sword, while American troops came ashore on Utah and Omaha beaches.   Facing strong resistance, American forces lost 2,000 troops on Omaha Beach, but at days more than 150,000 Allied troops had made it ashore.  In total more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day landings.

Posted Wednesday, June 3^rd

D-Day Minus 3
Allies had conducted an Immense campaign of deception to mislead the enemy about D-Day’s timing and target.   Fake radio military transmissions created a phantom army supposedly commanded by General Douglas McArthur to convince the German High Command that the invasion would take place at Pas-de-Calais (the narrowest point between Britain and France) rather than Normandy.  Inflatable rubber tanks and trucks filled British fields as elaborate decoys that would look real to German air reconnaissance pilots.  The deceptions successfully mislead the enemy about troop strengths, troop locations and the target of the Allied invasion.

Posted Thursday, June 4^th

D-Day Minus 2
Convinced that storms would not allow an Allied invasion, the enemy let their guard down during June’s early days of 1944.  After postponing D-Day from June 5^th to the 6^th, Eisenhower’s staff waited with apprehension for meteorologists to forecast a break in the inclement weather.  Troops, ships and planes could not be held in readiness for long.  Every hour’s delay increased the danger that the enemy would discover that the invasion was eminent and where it would be directed.  A clear patch of weather finally opened, and 5,000 ships supported by 11,000 aircraft left British ports and airfields headed for five targeted beaches stretching along 50 miles of the French coastline.

Posted Friday, June 5^th

D-Day Minus 1
Many major dangers threatened Operation Overlord, and the massive beach defenses alone presented a colossal obstacle as troops came ashore.  While German troops wore belt buckles inscribed with the motto, “Gott Mit Uns” (God With Us), events of the day demonstrated that Deity sided with the invading allies.  The break in foul weather, not recognized by the Germans, made the invasion possible.  Field Marshall Rommel, the German commander, was on leave to celebrate his wife’s birthday.  Hitler slept late and no one dared wake him with the bad news.  When he did awake, he believed Allied propaganda that the main invasion would take place at Calais.  Certain that the landing was only a diversion, Hitler held back armor divisions that could have killed thousands of invaders, and the German General Staff also believed Allied disinformation and hesitated in responding to the invasion.

Posted Saturday, June 6^th

D-Day
Called the Longest Day, the Operation Overlord landings at Normandy led to freeing occupied France and opening the way to invade Germany and force Nazi Germany’s Third Reich to surrender unconditionally.  The United States, Europe and the world united to defeat Nazi tyranny.  The defeat of Imperial Japan came a few months later, and the Allied World War II Victory became the pivotal point of the Twentieth Century.  Although the Cold War and other conflicts followed, no greater combined wartime effort exists, not just during the century but during world history.  Civilians, agriculture and factories joined the military in an all-out war that demanded an all-out exertion to win the final victory.

The challenges of today differ from those of World War II and Operation Overlord; however, with the somewhat bewildering range of difficulties appearing during the first months of 2020, the lessons of Operation Overlord and D-Day offer us hope that Americans united will overcome the challenges of today will win victory.

The post Operation Overlord’s D-Day and Winning Victory first appeared on flag-post.com.

Small flags posted by volunteers decorate veterans’ graves each Memorial Day.

John Hartvigsen

Memorial Day is all about the United States flag and about honoring those who have honored the flag.
The Colonial Flag Foundation shares this focus on the flag.  Our reason for existing centers on honoring heroes through display of the Stars & Stripes.  From our first massive display of 3,000 U.S. flags in 2001, our programs to honor individuals who have honored our flag with the display of  sponsored flags has spread to thousands of flag displays posted throughout the nation.  Our flag displays fit Memorial Day like a glove as we join with all Americans to observe the day.

Traditionally, the Stars & Stripes fly at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day, and then like the three firefighters raising the flag at Ground Zero, the flags raise at noon to symbolize the hope offered by America’s future.

A Gigantic 78 by 150 foot U.S. flag placed on Intermountain Heath Center’s 15 story building honors our medical support heroes who fight to defeat COVID-19.

Americans include the Stars & Stripes in a full range of Memorial Day observances:

• Volunteers at cemeteries all over the country place stick flags to mark burial plots of veterans to remember their service and sacrifices.
• “As a mark of solemn respect,” the President ordered flags to fly at half-staff the three days of the weekend leading up to Memorial Day. We mourn for those who had died from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Follow the Flag organization displayed a massive 78 by 150-foot U.S. flag on the wall of a 15-story regional hospital to honor medical professionals who have become heroes in their fight to end the pandemic.
• More than a dozen Colonial Flag Foundations local host committees have posted hundreds of flags in community displays to honor heroes who have by their lives honored the flag.  These displays can be visited by either car or walking among the flags while keeping the six foot social distancing guidelines.

Impressed each year by the huge effort expended to post a large flag display, we have been doubly impressed this year.  Complicated by COVID-19 safety requirements volunteer in host cities have followed social distancing and sanitation guidelines while posting flags, and the formations of flags can be safely viewed by car.  Those walking by the flags can also do so safely.  However viewed, these inspiring flag displays honor heroes.

Visit our website ( www.healingfield.org ) to find a Healing Field® or Field of Honor® flag display in your area.  We can promise that a visit to one of our events will be a highlight of your Memorial Day.  Find how other communities that host events where you have friends, where your relatives live, or where you might have previously lived.  All these local committees have hosted events as a gift to their communities that are made possible by volunteers, event sponsors, sponsored flags and contributions.

An inspirational Colonial Flag Foundation Flag Display in Northampton, Massachusetts.

We have always had plenty of American heroes, but many more heroes have met the challenge in the wake of a pandemic.  Medical teams, first responders, transportation crews, warehouse and retail workers have earned our recognition and appreciation.  Sponsoring a flag to honor individuals or groups gives each flag sponsor the way to express your recognition and appreciation.  This also supports events that make everything possible.

Find how Old Glory is part our Memorial Day observances in your community.  Fly the flag at your home.  Teach family and friends Memorial Day’s meaning.  A retired U.S. Marine said, “After World War I and World War, the flags came out.  It is time for the flags to come out again.”  We couldn’t agree more.  The flag symbolizes our shared values, aspirations and unity.

It is worth repeating, Memorial Day and Colonial Flag Foundation events are all about the United States flag and honoring those who have honored the flag.

The post Its All About Flags and Honoring Heroes first appeared on flag-post.com.

John Hartvigsen

American are blessed with dedicated local police departments throughout our nation.  If we look around the world, it becomes apparent that the professionalism, dedication and honor demonstrated by our police department and their officers is unknown in many countries.

Our police forces and officers have earned out unending gratitude.  Peace Officers Memorial Day afford us the opportunity to do just that.

Congress established National Police Week more than half a century ago to honors the service and sacrifice of law officers.  Essential in providing safety and security in usual times, the COVID-19 pandemic has added additional responsibilities in challenging circumstances.  They earn our thanks anew with each new day.

Importantly, Friday, May 15^th has been proclaimed Peace Officer Memorial Day in tribute to the 307 fallen police officers memorialized on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.  Even with the passage of time, we mourn the loss of men and women who formed a vital part of the communities they faithfully served; they gave their very lives for us.  Flags are appropriately on Police Officers Memorial Day displayed at half-staff as we remember and mourn the loss of heroes.

National Police Week and Police Officers Memorial Day affords the occasion to reflect, remember and appreciate law enforcement organizations and individuals.  Our thanks, however, should not be confined to one week and one Memorial Day.  They serve and protect us every day, and we owe them our daily appreciation.

The Week’s motto says it well, “Heroes Live Forever.”

The post Peace Officers Memorial Day first appeared on flag-post.com.

The British Royal family acknowledge deafening cheers of massive crowds on VE Day in 1945

On May 8^th 75 years ago, Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally, which ended World War II in Europe.   After six years of devastating war, the British filled the streets in wild celebration for VE (Victory in Europe) Day.  Crowds surged in front of Buckingham Palace cheering the Royal Family.

Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, stood with her father, King George VI as they with her mother and sister acknowledged the cheering crowds.  As head of the British Armed Forces, the King, as expected, wore a military uniform; however, Princess Elizabeth, as a member of the British armed forces, also wore a uniform.

On VE Day’s 75^th Anniversary, celebrating crowds would have been expected in London, but COVID-19 restrictions dictated that there would be no cheering crowds.  The Royal Family will not appear on Buckingham Palace’s balcony, but Princess Elizabeth has reigned as Queen for 68 years.  So, at a time when few veterans of World War II survive, Elizabeth II is the world’s only head of state that served in the active military during that war, and Prince Philip, her husband of 72 years served in Britain’s Royal Navy. They have not just heard stories of the war, they lived them.

Princess Elizabeth serving as a driver and mechanic in the Auxiliary Territorial Service

Self-isolating in Winsor Castle, the Royal pair recognizes a war against COVID-19 that would have been unthinkable even a few months ago.  Queen Elizabeth, even at the advanced age of 94, has a sense of optimism for the future.  In a recent address about COVID-19, she quoted the lyric from a popular song of World War II, “We’ll Meet Again.”  Her feeling that we made it through World War II and we can make it through COVID-19.

We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day
Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
‘Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away

The post Victory in Europe Day in 1945 and 75 Years Later   first appeared on flag-post.com.

 The Great Symbol of Our Shared History, Values and Unity.

John Hartvigsen

Times of national crisis bring Americans together to meet challenges with solidarity. Two world wars, worldwide economic depression, polio epidemics, threat of nuclear war and terrorist attacks have all drawn us together and fostered our determination as a people to prevail.

Dealing with a Global Pandemic brings new challenges that may require physical distance in combating the spread of a virus, but we are not divided as a people.  We may not be able to physically rally together; nevertheless, unity and determination continue to give us the strength needed to overcome adversity.

The great symbol of our shared history, aspirations, strength and unity is our national flag.  Repeatedly we break out the Stars and Stripes in times of crisis and celebration.  It reminds us of the strength of the nation and the determination of the citizens.

Traditionally we fly our National Flag on dates known as flag flying holidays; however, the flag appears in neighborhoods, towns and cities whenever we are threatened.  It is not about “flag waving”; it is about announcing that we stand together in service and sacrifice as we support one another during a perilous time.  This message of unity is desperately needed now.

Symbolic acts have great meaning.  In Rome, Italians not allowed to come together in groups went out on apartment balconies to sing in solidarity with their neighbors living in adjoining buildings.  This reflects their spirit and culture.

Americans are a flag flying people. The Stars & Stripes fly from flagstaffs and flagpoles at homes and  on public holidays.  The flag is also a valuable rallying symbol during a time of crisis.

Healing Field® and Field of Honor® flag displays hosted for almost two decades in communities all around the country have shown us the positive impact that the U.S. flag has as it symbolizes healing and hope.

Bring out Old Glory from the closet or storeroom shelf and raise it to symbolize our unity as a people.

The post Declaring our Unity as a Virus Keeps Us Physically Apart first appeared on flag-post.com.

The Utah State Flag

John Hartvigsen

Designated as Utah State Flag Day, March 9^th commemorates the day in 1911 when the State Legislature adopted the Beehive State’s elegant banner. Recognizable and recognized, the Utah State Flag identifies Utah as no other flag could.

Even Mark Twain, who visited Utah Territory in 1861, recognized the meaning that the beehive had in correctly describing residents of the Territory. He wrote that the “crest” of Utah, unlike the flag of his home state of Missouri, was easy to understand:

And it was simple, unostentatious and it fitted like a glove. It was a representation of a Golden Beehive, with all the bees at work.

What has been called Utah’s “Grand Beehive” is a civic emblem that has decorated Utah flags, seals and symbols for almost one and three fourths century. It fit Utahns like a glove when Mark visited, and it continues to fit Utah’s diverse population today as no other symbol could.

Utah is the Beehive State, not the Delicate Arch State nor the Golden Spike State nor even the Greatest Snow of Earth State. The Beehive State is the state’s well know nickname, its State Emblem is the Beehive, its state insect is the Honey Bee, and bees swarm around their hive of Utah’s flag. The state’s physical geography is diverse and so are its peoples.

The State Flower, the Sego Lily, flanks the hive and six arrows pierce the shield above which these symbols appear. These arrows symbolize the native tribes that lived in the area for centuries before settlers arrived. The year of western settlement, 1847, and the year of statehood, 1896, appear along with the state’s name on the flag as a reminder of the half of a century it took for Utah to be admitted to the U.S. union. For this reason, a bald eagle and two U.S. flags complete the flag’s design, meaning to Utahns celebrating statehood: The struggle for statehood is over, and Utah’s rising star has joined her sister states in Old Glory’s proud constellation.

The Utah State Flag is packed tight with deep symbolic meaning relating Utah’s story wherever it flies.

Governor Gary Herbert met with State Representative Julie Fisher and 4th Graders in the Capitol’s Gold Room.

It is no surprise then that Utah’s school children learn about the state’s history and symbols through studying the Utah State Flag. Utah’s Governor Gary Herbert met with 4^th grade students in the Utah State Capitol’s ceremonial Gold Room to share the significance of the symbols depicted on the Utah State Flag. In fact, Governor Herbert regularly selects the Utah State flag together with the U.S. flag to be his backdrop for interviews and pictures.

Utah is a great state and deserves a great flag. Well, it has one.

The post Celebrate Utah’s Great State Flag on Its Special Day first appeared on flag-post.com.

The “Each for Equal” Pose.

John Hartvigsen

As International Women’s Day approached, a number of photographs on the International Women’s Day website (https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme) caught my attention.  The subjects of more than a dozen portrait photos held their arms out in a gesture that I had not seen before.  One photograph explained the gesture with the caption:

Strike the #EachforEqual pose
So put your arms out front and STRIKE THE #EachforEqual POSE to motivate others
and to make International Women’s Day YOUR day.

A simple yet meaningful gesture.  Two arms reaching out and displaying the recognized symbol of equality.  Society needs both arms strong and equal.  The “Equal for Equal Pose” visually expresses the motto for International Women’s Day of 2020 beautifully.

Colonial Flag Foundation reaps the benefits of amazing women who have contributed so much to Foundation events all around the country.  Women fill every local host committee position bringing Healing Field® and Field of Honor® flag displays to American communities from coast to coast and from southern to northern boarders, and it is often women who, having experienced a Colonial Flag Foundation even in a distant location, have the inspiration and drive to bring a massive display of U.S. flags to their home territory.

Colonial Flag Foundation enthusiastically supports International Women’s Day.  We invite all to join us in striking the “Equal for Equal” pose in word and deed.  Equality strengthens us all.

Colonial Flag Foundation’s Programs are enriched by the great contributions of Outstanding Women.

The post  Strike the Each for Equal Pose first appeared on flag-post.com.

The time it takes earth to move around the sun fails to exactly match the 365 days we have allowed on the calendar.  Since earth’s orbit take about 1/4^th day longer, we add a day every four years to keep seasons from creeping out of alignment with calendar dates.  This review appears each Leap Year as we approach Leap Day, and Saturday, February 29 of 2020 is an added Leap Day.

Is there a flag to represent Leap Year or Leap Day?  No, not exactly, at least I haven’t found one. However, I have discovered one flag that visually depicts earth’s relationship to time and space.  It is one of many flags designed to represent Planet Earth, but this flag seems to capture something worth thinking about.

Some proposed designs for a flag to represent planet earth.

There have been many efforts to design a flag representing earth:

• the United Nations flag with its global map and surrounding laurel leaf wreathe;
• a flag design showing a photograph of earth taken from space that I call the “Blue Marble Flag”;
• a flag designs showing interlocking rings
• flags including a procession of national flags
• several designs showing of the sun, earth and moon.

Philip Kanellopoulos designed this Earth Flag in 2004, which he describes as follows, “The image is of a flag representing Earth, her diverse communities of people, and all of her forms of life.” 

Philip Kanellopoulos’ Earth Flag shows our place in the universe, which relates to how motion in our solar system that governs how we measure time.  The earth’s orbit around the sun determines a year; the earth’s tilt on its axis gives us seasons; the rotation of the moon apparent by its phases fixes twelve months; and the rotation of the earth separates night from day and defines our measured day,

Intriguingly, we observe that the time measurements fit neatly together.  These measurements may not fit patterns exactly; however, they come very close and fit the world’s needs nicely.  A year divides into twelve lunar months that figure out only half a day off at 30½ days. We only need to add or subtract a day or two to make it work out.  Our seven-day week divides the solar year into 52 weeks, which is a mere 2/100^th of off an exact 52.  Significant to leap year, dividing a solar year into 365.25 days is only 0.00368493 of a day from being exact.  All of these figures are pretty darn close.

Kanellopoulos’ flag depicts the sun as largest in the solar system with the moon’s rotations shown by its phases and the earth’s rotations clear by division of day and night.  The flag, like Leap Year and Leap Day, reminds us of our place in time and in the universe.   We could hoist this flag on Leap Day to celebrate the calendar which serves us so well.

The post A Flag for Leap Day? first appeared on flag-post.com.

John Hartvigsen

Edmund Hillary

Something about historic artifacts thrills us.  Just seeing and being near them can create an emotional attachment to history.  Brent and Charlene Ashworth have undoubtedly experienced this as they have collected books, pictures, objects and ephemera that have historic impact.  However, they understand that artifacts have greater meaning in that they help us understand lessons of history that we can apply today.

In a Real Story video presentation Brent Ashworth displays a simple mountain climber’s pickax, which opens windows of understanding about the first men who reached the summit of Mount Everest.  Holding the pickax, Joe Kerry obviously feels the emotional impact, but discusses deeper meaning with Brent about what we can learn that has application today.

Sir Edmund Hillary’s Sherpa teammate, Tenzing Norgay, flying flags from his mountaineering pickax on Everest’s Summit

The pickax signed by Sir Edmund Hillary coupled with a serial number mark this mountaineering tool as likely the one he used to scale Mount Everest in 1953.  Hillary’s climbing partner, Tenzing Norgay carried a similar pickax on which he attached three flags shown in the photograph Sir Edmond snapped after the two men reached the summit.  The flags of the United Nations, the United Kingdom and Nepal flew to celebrate the achievement.

What can we learn by seeing the pickax that played a part in the Mt. Everest Expedition that thrilled the entire world almost 67 years ago?

Edmund Hillary, hailed from New Zealander, but the British Union Jack and not the flag of New Zealand first flew in the thin atmosphere atop the world.  Hillary with some fellow New Zealanders joined the 500 strong British Mount Everest Expedition, scheduled to make the attempt in May of 1953.  Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit supported by a larger team.  Even today, great achievements happen through united effort.

The successful attempt could not have been made without Nepalese Sherpas.  Twenty Nepalese Sherpas transported the Expedition with both men and equipment to high altitude base camps from which attempts could be made.

Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary formed a strong bond as equal members of a team.  Their preparation identified them as a climbing team capable of making the final assault.  While training on the ice, Hillary jumped to ice block that gave way hurling Hillary down into a deep crevice.  Norgay tighten the rope that stopped the ascent and allowed Hillary to climb out saving his life.

When they reached the summit, Hillary had the camera and took landscape picture to prove their success, and then photographed Norgay with flags flying.  He declined to have his own picture taken, and the pair only remained on the summit for 15 minutes before making their ascent.  They remained close friends for life.

The story of two partners supported in their success by others holds many lessons that come to life by examining a mountaineer’s pickax.

The post The First Flags Flown Atop the World first appeared on flag-post.com.

Torn, tattered and frayed United States Flags should be replaced, but what should be done with the worn-out flags?

John Hartvigsen

Of questions we are asked, one recurring subject focuses on withdrawing worn-out flags from use.  Flags are made to be flown in wind, sun and foul weather; therefore, they will tear, fray and fade with use.  That is true for U.S. flags, foreign flags, state flags, municipal flags, company flags and club flags.  When a flag wears out, it should not be flown, but how do we dispose of it properly?

There is a simple answer, but like most simple answers it does not work in all circumstances.

When we think about “retiring” the Stars & Stripes, the United States Flag Code gives the flowing guidance:

The [United States] 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.

(Title 4 U.S. Code § 8, Paragraph k)

U.S. Flags flown at home wear out and need to be replaced.

Simple?  True enough—if someone has a 3’ by 5’ cotton U.S. flag that they have displayed at home.  In years past it was simple to privately burn the worn flag in the back yard without ceremony.  Destroying the flag by burning was the convenient method to ensure that it would not end up tossed on a garbage heap or used for a secondary purpose.

Nevertheless, details can make disposing a U.S. flag today by burning more of a challenge.

• Burning a flag my not be allowed by subdivision restrictions, local regulations or laws.
• Home owners or city dwellers may not have a means or place to burn a flag.
• Synthetic fibers may melt before burning.
• Synthetic cloth may and give off noxious fumes when burned.
• Larger flags may be too unwieldy to safely burn.

What then are alternative ways to respectfully dispose of worn out United States flags?
Options vary according to community location.  Here are some options to check out:

• Retailers may offer a service to properly dispose of worn-out U.S. flags. Colonial Flag Company, for example, accepts worn-out U.S. flags at their Showroom and will even offer a discount on the purchase of a replacement flag.
• Service organizations may accept worn-out U.S. flags and sponsor events to destroy collected flags respectfully.
• Veterans organizations often have programs to accept and correctly destroy worn-out U.S. flags.
• Scout troops and members may collect worn-out U.S. flags as a service project and to use in teaching fellow scouts how to appropriately burn them following guidance of the U.S. Flag Code.

Scouts destroy worn-out U.S. flags as a service and to learn how to do it correctly.

Is there an authorized ceremony for the disposing of worn-out U.S. flags by burning?

Early versions of the flag code and military regulations advised that destroying worn-out U.S. flags could be done by burning or burying them privately without ceremony.

More recently, ceremonies have been created as part of patriotic programs to destroy flags collected by various organizations.  These ceremonies vary in detail; however, none are required and none are official.  The U.S. Flag Code is silent on these types of ceremonies.  The stated requirement is always to show respect for the Flag of the United States of America.

What are some differing details that are part of flag “retirement” ceremonies?

• Cutting the U.S. flag apart into three parts—the Union of stars, the six long stripes and the seven short stripes. Some suggest that a flag dismembered in this fashion is no longer an “official” flag, and may then be burned.  Others make burning the separate pieces part of the ceremony.
• Holding large ceremonies or programs to burn large numbers of U.S. flags collected over a period. While these events are not required, they are not discouraged.  Americans have a desire to honor the flag, and over the years ways to do this have expanded.
• Although U.S. flag can burn well when held out flag over a flame, some organizers of these event may believe that a flag must be folded into the triangular fold before burning. It takes a lot of heat and fire to burn folded flags, and, if made of synthetic fabric, they are more likely to melt and produce noxious smoke and fumes.
• The Union of stars is sometimes cut into individual stars that are presented to veterans or other people to be honored. While this may be considered a secondary use, it actually follows an old tradition of “souveniring” flags.  Cutting pieces of flags for souvenirs usually happened for historically important flag; nevertheless, presenting individual stars cut from a flag follows the spirit of this old custom.

Throughout this article, disposing of U.S. flags has been considered, but what about state, local and other flags?

It would surprise most Americans to see the large numbers of worn-out U.S. flag that are gathered awaiting proper disposal.  American love to fly flags, and flags wear out; however, those who provide the needed and appreciated service for worn-out flag disposal, may be unable or unwilling to accept state, local and other flags.  Simply tossing these flags in the garbage doesn’t show proper respect, but how can it be done properly?

We can look to how flag disposal is done in other countries where burning of worn-out flag is not practical or even possible.  In countries where flags may be a bi-color or tricolor, such as Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands or Poland—the large single colored parts of the flag may be cut apart to created simply colored pieces of cloth.  This is not likely to work with more complicated designs common in American and may not be possible.  Still, if there is a central emblem—it may be possible to cut that out and discard the remaining material.  However, how can flags with complicated designs be handled.

The National Flags of France and Germany can be separated into colored pieces of cloth.

Again, we can look to how this is done in other countries.  Flags may be folded along the length two or three times for form a band of cloth that can be rolled tightly, wrapped in brown paper and tied with string to form a bundle that is then thrown away.  Flags disposed of in this way will not end up flapping around on a garbage heap or in a land fill.

Fort McHenry’s Star-Spangled Banner is worn, faded and parts are missing; however, it is a treasured artifact and popular attraction at the Smithsonian.

Finally, not all worn flags should be burned or discarded.  A flag that has historical significance because of where or when it was flown may be retained as an important article.  The Star-Spangled Banner, which flew over Fort McHenry is tattered, torn and missing pieces; nevertheless, it is a treasured artifact that is a major attraction at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.  While not as important as the Star-Spangle Banner, other flags may have historic meaning.  Flags may also have emotional meaning for families or individuals.  Grandpa’s burial flag may become moth eaten, but still be a treasured family heirloom.  It would not be appropriate to fly these worn-out flags, but they can certainly be retained.   Flags that would have helped us understand our history have been destroyed because someone did not make the effort to consider their importance.

An internment flag that covered the casket of a family member may be a treasured item.

Flags that are kept because of their significance should have a written history and provenance prepared and placed with them.  A flag with a cotton heading for the grommets may have a short title written with a laundry pen on that heading.  For example, “Burial Flag of John M. Jones, SSG U.S. Army WWII” or something similar.

What can or should be do with worn-out flags?  Well, there is a simple answer, but like most simple answers it does not work in all circumstances.  The key is to do it with respect.

The post Disposing of Worn-out Flags first appeared on flag-post.com.

Students from St. Ann’s Academy brave the cold to add to funds raised by their Field of Honor® event.

by John M. Hartvigsen

St. Ann’s School student furthered their giving tradition, which this year stretches back from Christmas to their Field of Honor® flag display for Veterans Day.  The annual display goes beyond recognizing and honoring those who served in the Armed Forces by providing the means of help and support for local veterans

While November 11^th serves as the holiday for their traditional display of U.S. flags, students began their work and planning for the school’s 9^th Annual Field of Honor® event soon after completing their 8^th display in 2018.  Posting 400 flags requires planning and effort as students, parents and faculty members worked together to bring the display to the Hornell community.

In addition to drawing area residents together for a memorable and inspiring experience, the Field of Honor® flag display raised money bringing help to the Bath VA Medical Center and thirty of its residents.  Students not only took part in hosting the display and raising funds, but 4^th and 5^th graders went shopping to buy kitchen items for the VA Center, to choose a couple of presents for each of the 30 veterans living at the Center and to present the Center with a $300 dollar check to be shared among the veterans.

The title shown above announces that St. Ann’s students learn from their Field of Honor® involvement, and their experiences enhances classroom learning.  Students learn on many levels encountered personally through their participation:

• Gratitude for the service and sacrifice given by our Armed Forces and Veterans
• Respect for the United States and our National Flag
• Love for our nation and appreciation of our national history
• Fulfillment found in service  to others
• Working in committees
• Organizing fundraising and finances for the event
• Laying out the pattern for posting the flags
• Ordering, receiving, assembling, posting, distributing and storing hundred of flags
• Identifying benefiting charities

4th and 5th Grade St. Ann’s students shop for the VA Center and its resident veterans.

Now with proceeds from Hormell’s 9^th annual Field of Honor® in hand, students went shopping and headed over to the Bath VA Center to make the presentation.

No matter how well funded, schools all around the country make fundraising part of their programs.  Not wanting to disparage any student fundraising efforts, we realize that  selling greeting cards, chocolate bars or cookie dough may successfully raise money for schools.  However, the range of learning experienced by St. Ann’s Academy student added more value to the money raised for their charity.

Colonial Flag Foundation salutes St. Ann’s Academy and its students.  Our team eagerly looks forward to Hormell’s 10^th Field of Honor display as the Academy competes a decade of service to the community and local charities.

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John M. Hartvigsen

We associate flags with the Fourth of July and decorated pine trees with Christmas, however Christmas trees decorated with flags is a tradition in Scandinavian countries and holiday trees decorated with the Stars & Stripes has historical ties in the United States. 

Indeed, even Santa Claus has been closely associated with the flag at Christmas.  Antique post cards often showed the Jolley Old Elf dressed like Uncle Sam and carrying gifts that included flags.

Today decorating Christmas trees with flags is making a resurgence as flag decorated trees take on some deeper meanings.  Locally, a Festival of Trees, held as a fundraiser for charity, displays donated trees decorated to present specific themes.  Movies, occupations, sports and hobbies are popular themes.  However, with continuing deployment of our Armed Forces to foreign lands reminds Americans of the sacrifices that become even more poignant each December. 

Lyrics of the song “I’ll be home for Christmas,” do more that draw feeling of nostalgia that are part of the Christmas music experience.  The sentiment for active duty military and their families is as real today as it was when the song was first recorded during World War II.  And, sadly too many warriors who did not survive battle come home to grieving families. 

A decorated tree recently posted on Facebook, themed to honor those who by their service and sacrifice honor the United States flag, found its theme and decorations inspired by the flag, which they served and defended. *

 Colonial Flag Foundation events around the country and throughout the year share this important theme to remember and honor members of our Armed Forces and their families, and this picture is so touching it cries out to be shared.

The team at Colonial Flag Foundation sends appreciation to all who honor the men and women to whom we owe so much. 

Warmest wished for Christmas and the New Year. 

*Sue Beckmann Ladage‎ to I Love Old Glory, November 27 at 5:53 AM https://www.facebook.com/groups/445789442199067/permalink/2425227154255276/

The post A Christmas Tree that Celebrates and Honors first appeared on flag-post.com.

John M. Hartvigsen

Originally called the Great War, World War I resulted in enormous numbers of war dead; however, its battlefields were primarily in Europe continuing to the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.  Not living up to the promise of “the War to End all Wars,” WWI actually set the stage for a worldwide conflict that earned the title World War.

Despite the obvious escalation of conflict in Europe and Asia, Americans showed a strong reluctance to be “pulled into foreign wars;” the attack on Pearl Harbor changed everything as the Stars and Stripes joined the flags of the world’s nations.

Never before or since has the United States committed to the footing of total war demanding complete dedication not only for the military but for the civilian population.

Flags too joined the conflict for the United States and its allies as well as for the enemy nations or Axis Powers.  Many examples sending flags to war could be related, but three examples tell a story repeated again and again to support for the efforts of war.  The vexillological experiences of World War II demonstrate the impact of flag for both good and evil.

Hitler “Consecrated” flags using the Blood Flag.

A National Socialist Party (NSDAP) flag carried during the unsuccessful coup when the Hitler attempted to overthrow the Bavarian Government became soaked with the blood of the flag bearer and other Nazi rebels.  Christened “die Blutfahne” or “the Blood Flag,” it became a sacred icon of the Third Reich.  Hitler held folds of the “Blutfahne” in one hand while consecrating other flags and banners carried by soldiers of National Socialist Germany.

The flag of the NSDAP, which became the flag of the German Third Reich, also became one of the most hated banners of world history.  While we usually call its central emblem a swastika, Nazi’s called it “das Hakenkreutz” or hooked cross.  The swastika is in reality of ancient and revered symbol of many civilizations and does not deserve the hated reputations that Hitler and his followers have given it.

Soldiers of the Japanese Empire carried small flags bearing the rising sun emblem of reminding them of their duty to the Emperor and nation.  Allied servicemen capturing Japanese soldiers took these flags as war souvenirs.

The rising sun device on Japanese flags predated the Second World War by centuries and continues as the nation’s flag.  The flag of an enemy becoming the flag of a ally.

The most positive and iconic image for the United States war effort was the flag rising on Iwo Jima.  The Pulitzer Prize winning photograph is actually the second raising of Old Glory on Mount Suribachi.  Marines raised a larger flag that photographer Joe Rosenthal luckily captured on film.  The picture raised the hopes of war weary American that final victory would come.

The impact of flags, experienced in the Second World War continues today.  Flags are more than simply pretty pieces of cloth.

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