Sep
14
September 11th has been designated as Patriot Day by United States Public Law #107-89, which amended Title 36 of the United States Code effective December 18, 2001. The law states that on Patriot Day, the Flag of the United States should be flown at half-staff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks. State and local governments and the people of the United States have been called upon to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities. Further, the law requests that individuals observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims.
For a flag in a bracket mounted on a house or other building, it is not possible to “half-staff” the flag. Therefore, a tradition of using black ribbons as a sign of mourning can be used. Two black ribbons of suitable length (perhaps, the width and length of one stripe) should be attached at the top of the pole. For a flag hung vertically, a ribbon should be affixed at each end of the “top” heading of the flag. These ribbons should never be attached to the face of the flag itself. One theory on the origin of “half-staff” is that it comes from the military custom of lowering the flag to show, at the time of death, submission to the will of God. Current custom indicates that the flag is “in mourning” when it is at half-staff. It is interesting to note that other countries observe the same tradition at a time of national mourning.
When a flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the top of the pole and then lowered to half-staff. It is important to note that when the United States flag is flown at “half-staff”, no other flag can be flown at “full-staff”. It is disrespectful to fly any flag higher than the U.S. Flag. On a solemn occasion such as Patriot Day, proper respect should be shown to those who lost their lives as well as the surviving families by flying the U.S. Flag with dignity and respect. The U.S. Flag Code states that the flag should not be flown when it is no longer a fitting emblem for display. When the flag is faded, frayed or ripped, it is not considered to be a dignified symbol of the United States; it is disrespectful to fly the U.S. Flag in such a condition. Citizens should either remove “unserviceable” flags from display or proudly fly a bright, fresh flag during such solemn observances.
For further information, contact:
FlagandBanner.com
800 W. Ninth St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
800-445-0653
Posted by dlorah
Sep
14
Remembering 9/11
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