The F.L.A.G. Program TEACHER HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 The F.L.A.G. Program TEACHER HANDBOOK

2 This Teacher Handbook is provided by Standing Strong For Generations 610 Water Street Waxahachie, Texas (972)

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1: The F.L.A.G. Program... 1 Section 2: Local Contacts and Support... 5 Section 3: Getting Started... 8 Section 4: Fly, Lower, And Gather Section 5: F.L.A.G. Clubs Section 6: Flag Q&A... 51

4 SECTION 1 The F.L.A.G. Program 1

5 Name The acronym F.L.A.G. stands for Fly, Lower, And Gather. Introduction The flag of the United States also known as Old Glory represents everything that is good about this country. It represents Freedom. It represents Courage. It represents Hope. Red represents Hardiness and Valor. White represents Purity and Innocence. Blue represents Vigilance. Countless men and women have served under her colors. Countless men and women have died defending her. Mission Statement The F.L.A.G. Program was created to instill pride and respect among students towards the United States and State Flag. Students will be held accountable for the proper Flying, Lowering, And Gathering of the United States and State Flag during the school year. Students who participate in this program will be recognized with a Citizenship Award presented by the sponsors of the F.L.A.G. Program. This will be the model for all school districts to duplicate and emulate. 2

6 HISTORY OF THE F.L.A.G. PROGRAM How the F.L.A.G. Program Evolved Every fall across America a new school year begins. In many schools a tradition continues that began in the late 1800 s paying homage to the American flag. On October 21, 1892, children in schools across the nation participated in an event to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus landing in North America. Among the patriotic activities of the day, the ritual of citing the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag began. Though we often still see this tradition today steeped in rich, prideful history, we also see that, for many people, the significance and history of our flag has lost its luster. The Power of One The power of one is a phrase we ve all heard, but few truly believe that one person can make a difference. The birth of the F.L.A.G. Program is such a case. In the fall of 2010, Jim Rodriguez was doing what most parents were doing, taking his daughter to school every morning. Day after day, as Jim dropped her off, he could not help but notice the American flag being raised in a manner not befitting this national treasure. 3

7 A school employee who had been assigned the task was doing his duties to the best of his knowledge and ability. He casually rolled up the flag and carried it under his arm before securing it to the flag pole to be raised for the day. No one noticed, and no one paused to pay their respect. It had become just a daily routine. As a retired veteran of the United States Air Force, Jim couldn t help but shudder. So he took action. He called the principal of the school and proposed an idea to engage the students in restoring the tradition, teaching them the history, the etiquette and proper protocol surrounding the American flag. He enlisted the services of Staff Sergeant Jose Rivera, a United States Army Recruiter, and together they launched the first class of the F.L.A.G. Program. The support they received from Waxahachie I.S.D. and the school s student council and administrative staff helped to bring this dream to reality. We Remember We feel it is significant to remember the history of our American flag, to instill patriotism and pride back into our schools, and to never forget those who fight for our freedom and this nation. Together, we pledge allegiance to this grand flag, for which it stands. 4

8 SECTION 2 Local Contacts and Support 5

9 Waxahachie Community Guidance Committee Mike Miller, Coordinator... (469) Stu Stephenson Jim Jordan David Hudgins Deborah Bell Paul O Rear Waxahachie Flag and Literature Requests Coordinator (see next page for details on available literature) Paul O Rear...(972) paulorear@gmail.com Waxahachie I.S.D. Campus Coordinators Clift Elementary: Ken Lynch... klynch@wisd.org Dunaway Elementary: Theresa Burkhalter... tburkhalter@wisd.org Felty NOTE: Elementary: You Debbie will need Davis to... replace this page with ddavis@wisd.org a Marvin list Elementary: of your own Kishen local Lavender contacts... and support klavender@wisd.org Northside Elementary: Shannon Edwards...sedwards@wisd.org personnel. You can format your contacts page Shackelford Elementary: Pete Sohn... psohn@wisd.org Wedgeworth however Elementary: you want. Leah If Kelso you...lkelso@wisd.org need more than one page for your contacts Michael list, Gilsdorf number... the second mgilsdorf@wisd.org Finley page Junior 6a High: so Mike that Peavler the... page numbers for mpeavler@wisd.org the rest Howard Junior High: Pamela Olson... polson@wisd.org of the handbook still make sense. Ninth Grade Academy: Lisa Minton... lminton@wisd.org Global High: William Covington... wcovington@wisd.org Waxahachie High: Tiffany Cotten... tcotten@wisd.org High School of Choice: Jennifer Hamby... jhamby@wisd.org Challenge Academy: Jennifer Hamby... jhamby@wisd.org Waxahachie I.S.D. Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Cobb... (972) ext. 142 mcobb@wisd.org 6

10 FLAG AND LITERATURE REQUESTS Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (WoodmenLife) provides American flags at no cost to worthy non-profit and community organizations, including classroom and campus flags for schools. In addition, WoodmenLife provides the following educational materials, at no charge. Contact your local WoodmenLife Representative to learn more. (Go to and click the button labeled Find a local Representative. ) THE U.S. FLAG CODE & GUIDELINES (FOLD-OUT): This pamphlet contains information on proper care of and respect for the flag, when and how to display the flag (including formal occasions and flying the flag at half-staff), the U.S. Flag Code, and WoodmenLife's patriotism. It folds out into a 25-1/2" x 33" poster of the flag, with the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance printed at the bottom of the poster, along with instructions for folding the flag and Flag Trivia. THE U.S. FLAG CODE & GUIDELINES (BOOKLET): This 13-page booklet measures 4" x 6" and contains the same information as the fold-out/poster above. THE AMERICAN PATRIOT'S HANDBOOK: This 216-page book is 5" x 6-1/2", and contains the full text of the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments, the Declaration of Independence, and historical background information on both of these important documents. It also contains a transcription of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, the dates on which states were admitted to the Union, a copy of "The Flag of our United States" by Colonel James A. Moss, and a one-page biography and photo of each President. 7

11 SECTION 3 Getting Started 8

12 Overview: How it Works Here is a brief outline of how the F.L.A.G. Program works. On each school campus, a Campus Coordinator will assist in planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling the program for that campus. The F.L.A.G. Program Board of Directors will communicate, educate, motivate, and evaluate the program s objectives to students. Students will be challenged to recruit volunteers who will participate in the F.L.A.G. Program. Volunteers will be taught the proper procedures of the F.L.A.G. Program, and will be scheduled to perform this duty throughout the school year. Each participating school will conduct an Awards Ceremony at the end of the school year. F.L.A.G. Program students will receive a Citizenship Award. Example of Elementary School Implementation The following outline was put together by Debbie Davis, Campus Coordinator for Felty Elementary. It gives a detailed look at the process she uses each year to implement the F.L.A.G. Program at Felty. It can be adapted to fit your campus and grade level of students. 9

13 Felty F.L.A.G Program Fly, Lower, And Gather with Pride Who does it? Fifteen to twenty 4th and 5th grade students are selected by myself and their teachers to be a member of the Flag Crew. Students are selected based on their behavior, responsibility and overall attitude. A letter explaining the program and the level of commitment required by the members is sent home and must be returned with the parent s signature giving permission. How long do they participate? At Felty we have opted for the crew members to do it for the whole year. There is a 4-6 week training period before the kids are actually ready to raise/lower the flag. What does the training entail? For approximately 4-6 weeks, one day per week, the members meet after school until about 3:45. A military volunteer comes to the school and meets with the kids and trains them on the proper etiquette, how to fold, and how to raise and lower the Flag. 10

14 What is my responsibility as the Campus Coordinator? Select the members. Schedule dates and times for the afterschool training. Set the crew members schedule for raising and lowering the Flags. Be committed and enthusiastic. This is a GREAT Program and is VERY rewarding!!! Last but not least Some fun stuff! Have a school wide flag raising and/or lowering ceremony. Have crew members go on announcements and talk about flag facts and etiquette. Have a flag fact finding scavenger hunt or have the crew make posters with facts and hang them around the school. Have a fundraiser that raises money for some sort of military or veterans program. The next two pages contain samples of the information sheet and student application that Felty Elementary uses to recruit their student participants. Feel free to adapt these and use them on your campus. 11

15 Be a part of the Felty Flag Crew! Who does it? 4 th and 5 th grade students are eligible to apply to be a member of the Flag Crew. Kids who are committed and enthusiastic. This is a GREAT Progam and is VERY rewarding!!! How long do they participate? The crew members participate for the whole school year. Crew members will be scheduled on a weekly, rotating basis to raise and lower the flag(s). There is a 4-6 week training period with a military volunteer after school. What does the training entail? For approximately 4-6 weeks the members meet after school, one day a week, until about 4:00. A military volunteer comes to the school and meets with the kids and trains them on the proper etiquette, how to fold, and how to raise and lower the flag. Some Extra Stuff Participate in a school-wide flag raising and/or lowering ceremony. Go on announcements and talk about Flag Facts. Be a part of organizing a fundraiser that raises money for some sort of military or veterans program like Patriot Paws. If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Mrs. Davis. 12

16 Felty Flag Crew Application Name Grade Teacher Crew Member duties and responsibilities include: 1 school year commitment. 4-6 week training at Felty after school. Raising and lowering the Flags daily (members will be scheduled on a rotating weekly basis). Participate in various activities throughout the year pertaining to the program, e.g. educating students via video announcements and assisting with fundraising for Patriot Paws. Criteria to be eligible for consideration and selection: Crew members MUST be available for training after school for 4-6 weeks. Training is once a week until 4:00pm with a military volunteer (day of week to be determined). Crew members will learn proper etiquette, flag folding technique and cool flag facts. Crew members are to be at school by 7:25am during the week they are scheduled to raise and lower the flag. Students who receive more than 3 checks during the school year will no longer be able to participate in the program. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY September 12, 2014 I have read and understand the crew member duties, responsibilities and criteria. If selected I am committed to the program and all it entails. Student s Signature Date Parent s Signature Date 13

17 Step-by Step Guide Here are some helpful hints and tips for getting the F.L.A.G. Program up and running on your campus, from start to finish. Work closely with the Community Guidance Committee. Stay in touch with the Community Guidance Committee Coordinator (see Section 2: Local Contacts and Support). He or she will be your primary contact with the F.L.A.G. Program organization. Recruit teachers. It is suggested that you have at least one other teacher or faculty member to help you implement the F.L.A.G. Program on your campus. Recruit students. Students are the heart of the F.L.A.G. Program. Determine your target number of students, your expectations and qualifications for participating students, and then develop a strategy to recruit students to participate. Schedule training. Contact the local Training Coordinator (see Section 2: Local Contacts and Support), and schedule the training sessions for your students. Determine meeting schedules. Decide how often and for how long your group will meet after the initial training sessions have been completed. See Section 5: F.L.A.G. Clubs for helpful information on conducting regular meetings. Decide where your F.L.A.G. Club will hold these meetings, and get them on the school calendar. Let your students help you figure out ways to publicize and promote the F.L.A.G. Club on campus. 14

18 Develop a rotation schedule. After your training sessions have been completed, your list of participating students should be fairly accurate. There are a number of decisions you will need to make in order to develop a flag duty rotation schedule for these students. You can discuss the following questions with your Trainer, your local Community Guidance Committee, and/or other Campus Coordinators in your school district in order to help you develop the most effective strategy for your campus. o How many students should you schedule to raise and lower the flag(s) each day? o Will the same students who raise the flag(s) in the morning also lower the flag(s) that afternoon? (Are there some students who can be there in the mornings before school, but not in the afternoons after school, or vice versa?) o Will the same group of students be scheduled to raise and/or lower the flag(s) for multiple consecutive days, or will a different group of students be assigned each day? o How far ahead do you want to schedule your students: for the whole school year, for a few weeks at a time, etc.? Make sure you communicate your rotation schedule to all students and their parents. Check with your Community Guidance Committee to see about obtaining flag lapel pins for your students to wear on their assigned flag duty days. Begin conducting your regular meetings. The F.L.A.G. Club meetings will help your Flag Crew members stay interested and motivated throughout the school year. You might consider having open meetings and allowing students who have not yet been trained and are not part of the Flag Crew to attend the meetings. There are two reasons this could be beneficial: 1) It spreads flag awareness to more students; 2) Some of those students might become interested in being part of a Flag Crew in the future! 15

19 Take lots of pictures! Throughout the school year, take lots of pictures of your students Flying, Lowering, And Gathering your school s flag(s). Take lots of pictures at your F.L.A.G. Club meetings and any other flag-related activities your students participate in. o If your school has a yearbook, submit some of these pictures for inclusion. Also see about having the F.L.A.G. Club listed in the yearbook. o Share some of your pictures with your Community Guidance Committee for possible use on the organization s website and/or Facebook page(s). IMPORTANT: Be sure to have all F.L.A.G. Club members sign a photo release at the beginning of the year (see sample form on next page). Plan your end-of-year awards. The F.L.A.G. Program national organization will provide certificates for you to present at the end of the school year to your Flag Crew members for their service and achievement. Contact your Community Guidance Committee to obtain your certificates. o Determine whether your certificates will be awarded to students as part of a campus end-of-year awards ceremony, or whether you will have a special awards ceremony (perhaps at your final F.L.A.G. Club meeting of the year). o Check with your local WoodmenLife chapter to see if they will partner with your F.L.A.G. Club in offering one or more WoodmenLife History Award(s) to your students. 16

20 The F.L.A.G. Program Photo Release Form for a Minor (for participants under the age of 18) I,, am the parent or legal guardian of ( my child ), a participant in the F.L.A.G. Program ( Program ), held at ( School ) located in Waxahachie, Texas. I hereby consent to the publication and use of my child s name and/or my child s likeness ( Likeness ) for the purpose of promotion, publicity, advertising, or other manner or media by the Program, the School, or any other representative authorized to act on behalf of the Program or the School. Likeness shall include, but not be limited to, photographs, sound and/or video recordings, films, broadcasts, brochures, publications, reports, web pages, promotional materials or any other audio-visual, electronic, printed, tangible work in any media or format, now known or hereafter to become known, and/or reproductions of any of these. I agree that the actual material involved is and shall continue to be the property of the Program and/or the School, and that neither I, nor my child, shall have any right of review or approval regarding the use of my child s name and/or Likeness in such material. I hereby release and hold harmless the Program, the School, and their respective employees, agents, affiliates, sponsors, or other representatives from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of the use of my child s name and/or Likeness, in accordance with the terms of this release. I understand and agree that neither I nor my child will be compensated in any way for the use of my child s name and/or Likeness by the Program or the School. Minor s name (printed): Age: Parent/Guardian signature: Date: Parent/Guardian name (printed): Address: Phone: 17

21 SECTION 4 Fly, Lower, And Gather 18

22 Flag Code The United States Flag Code is found in Title 4, Chapter 1 of the United States Code, and includes instructions and rules on such topics as the Pledge of Allegiance, display and use of the flag by civilians, time and occasions for display, position and manner of display, and how to show respect for the flag. In this Teacher Handbook, references to the Flag Code are formatted like this: [4 U.S.C. 7(a)] where 4 U.S.C. refers to Title 4 of the United States Code, and everything following the symbol (which stands for Section ) refers to the appropriate Section and Subsection(s) of the Flag Code. Flag Etiquette The Flag Code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag. It also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are: The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. [4 U.S.C. 8] The flag is flown upside down only as a distress signal. [4 U.S.C. 8(a)] The flag should not be used as a drapery or for covering a speaker s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white, and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top. [4 U.S.C. 8(d)] The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. 19

23 Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard. [4 U.S.C. 8(i)] The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations. [4 U.S.C. 8(j)] The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind. [4 U.S.C. 8(g)] The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. [4 U.S.C. 8(h)] When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object [4 U.S.C. 8(b)]; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. Raising and Lowering the Flag The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse. [4 U.S.C. 6(g)] The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. [4 U.S.C. 6(b)] The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. [4 U.S.C. 7(m)] 20

24 How to Fold the Flag (from The U.S. Flag Code & Guidelines, courtesy of WoodmenLife) 21

25 Flag Retirement The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. [4 U.S.C. 8(k)] Your Community Guidance Committee Coordinator can provide information on local organizations that accept flags that are worn out and ready for retirement. 22

26 SECTION 5 F.L.A.G. Clubs 23

27 Meeting Ideas Your regular F.L.A.G. Club meetings provide an excellent opportunity to further educate students about the United States flag, helping them to grow in their understanding of the importance of Old Glory and everything she stands for. This section of the Teacher Handbook will give you some ideas for presentations and group discussions for your meetings. Visit the F.L.A.G. Program website at TheFlagProgram.org and click on Resources and then F.L.A.G. Clubs to find online resources (videos, lesson plans, etc.) for your F.L.A.G. Club meetings. 24

28 F.L.A.G. CLUB MEETINGS R.E.S.P.E.C.T. OBJECTIVE: Help students understand WHY the flag is worthy of our respect, and HOW we show respect for the flag. NOTE: For an online version of this meeting plan, including links to online resources (videos, lesson plans, etc.), visit Talking Points and Discussion Questions: What does the United States flag mean to you? What do you think the flag might mean to someone who has served in the United States military services? (Perhaps invite a veteran to attend and let him or her answer that question.) What do you think the flag might mean to someone who was born in another country and has become a United State citizen? (Perhaps invite a naturalized citizen to attend and let him or her answer that question.) Why is the United States flag worthy of our respect? How does it make you feel when you see someone disrespecting the flag (stomping on it, burning it, dragging it on the ground, etc.)? Section 8 of the U.S. Flag Code is entitled, Respect for flag. Spend some time reading it and discussing the content of each subsection. Most of the things listed are prohibitions, things you cannot do to the flag or ways in which you cannot use or display the flag. For each of these, ask, Why do you think that prohibition is there? Why would that be considered disrespectful to the flag? (See Flag Code links on F.L.A.G. Program website under Resources > Downloads.) Are there any other prohibitions that you would add to the Flag Code to keep people from disrespecting the American flag? Why? (If they come up with something that they feel strongly about, help them write a letter to their Congressman or Senator suggesting the addition to the Flag Code, and explaining why it is important.) Make plans to attend a local flag retirement ceremony as a group. Read I am the Flag by Ruth Apperson Rous (see next page). Or, have one of the students read it, or have students take turns reading one paragraph each. Ask, What stood out to you the most from that reading? 25

29 I am the flag of the United States of America. I was born on June 14, 1777, in Philadelphia. I am the Flag by Ruth Apperson Rous There the Continental Congress adopted my stars and stripes as the national flag. My thirteen stripes alternating red and white, with a union of thirteen white stars in a field of blue, represented a new constellation, a new nation dedicated to the personal and religious liberty of mankind. Today fifty stars signal from my union, one for each of the fifty sovereign states in the greatest constitutional republic the world has ever known. My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country. My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters. My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all. My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith. I represent these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity. I embody American freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home. I typify that indomitable spirit of determination brought to my land by Christopher Columbus and by all my forefathers - the Pilgrims, Puritans, settlers at Jamestown and Plymouth. I am as old as my nation. I am a living symbol of my nation's law: the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. I voice Abraham Lincoln's philosophy: "A government of the people, by the people, for the people." I stand guard over my nation's schools, the seedbed of good citizenship and true patriotism. 26

30 I am displayed in every schoolroom throughout my nation; every schoolyard has a flag pole for my display. Daily thousands upon thousands of boys and girls pledge their allegiance to me and my country. I have my own law Public Law 829, "The Flag Code" which definitely states my correct use and display for all occasions and situations. I have my special day, Flag Day. June 14 is set aside to honor my birth. Americans, I am the sacred emblem of your country. I symbolize your birthright, your heritage of liberty purchased with blood and sorrow. I am your title deed of freedom, which is yours to enjoy and hold in trust for posterity. If you fail to keep this sacred trust inviolate, if I am nullified and destroyed, you and your children will become slaves to dictators and despots. Eternal vigilance is your price of freedom. As you see me silhouetted against the peaceful skies of my country, remind yourself that I am the flag of your country, that I stand for what you are no more, no less. Guard me well, lest your freedom perish from the earth. Dedicate your lives to those principles for which I stand: "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." I was created in freedom. I made my first appearance in a battle for human liberty. God grant that I may spend eternity in my "land of the free and the home of the brave" and that I shall ever be known as "Old Glory," the flag of the United States of America. 27

31 F.L.A.G. CLUB MEETINGS History of the Flag OBJECTIVE: Help students understand the historical background of our nation s flag. NOTE: For an online version of this meeting plan, including links to online resources (videos, lesson plans, etc.), visit The U.S. Government Printing Office has published, under the authority of Senate Concurrent Resolution 108, 109th Congress, a booklet entitled Our Flag, which contains a detailed, official history of the United States flag. It is available in PDF format from Publications.USA.gov, or on the F.L.A.G. Program website under Resources > Downloads. It is recommended that you use this as a primary resource in planning this meeting, and encourage students to obtain their own personal copy, which they are welcome to download from the F.L.A.G. Program website. WoodmenLife provides two handy-sized publications, free of charge, that would serve well as additional primary resources in preparing for this meeting: The U.S. Flag Code and Guidelines and The American Patriot s Handbook (see full descriptions on page 7 of this Teacher Handbook). Contact your Flag and Literature Requests Coordinator (see page 6) to request copies of these materials for yourself and your students, as well as The U.S. Flag Code and Guidelines fold-out, and a classroom flag (if needed). There are numerous online resources listed on the F.L.A.G. Program website under Resources > F.L.A.G. Clubs that will be helpful in developing an outline for this meeting. 28

32 F.L.A.G. CLUB MEETINGS The Pledge of Allegiance OBJECTIVE: Help students understand the history and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. NOTE: For an online version of this meeting plan, including links to online resources (videos, lesson plans, etc.), visit Talking points and discussion questions: Why do you think it is important to have a Pledge of Allegiance? What does the Pledge mean to you? How important do you think it is for people to be respectful when the Pledge is being said? Discuss the history of the Pledge, including changes through the years in its wording and in the manner of salute. Show the video of Red Skelton s Pledge of Allegiance sketch from 1969 (available on web page listed above under NOTE ). What is the significance of the timing of the Pledge s birth, just 27 years after the end of the Civil War? Discuss sponsoring a school-wide Essay Contest on the topic, What the Pledge of Allegiance Means to Me. 29

33 F.L.A.G. CLUB MEETINGS The National Anthem OBJECTIVE: Help students understand the history and meaning of the National Anthem. NOTE: For an online version of this meeting plan, including links to online resources (videos, lesson plans, etc.), visit Talking points and discussion questions: Discuss the circumstances under which Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the poem that later became The Star-Spangled Banner. What emotions do you think Key would have been experiencing as he watched the British artillery bombarding Fort McHenry? What about the next morning when he looked and saw the American flag still flying? With so much deep emotion tied to the words of the Star-Spangled Banner, and with it representing such an important and pivotal moment in the history of our nation, why is it so easy for us to become complacent when singing it or hearing it sung or played? Rewrite the Star-Spangled Banner in the language of 21 st century casual conversation, rather than early 19 th century poetry. Watch the video of the Star-Spangled Banner with all four stanzas penned by Francis Scott Key (available on web page listed above under NOTE ). Read and discuss the meaning of the last three stanzas and what they add to the overall sentiment of the song. 30

34 F.L.A.G. CLUB MEETINGS Half-Staff OBJECTIVE: Help students understand when and why the flag is flown at half-staff, how to fly the flag at half-staff, and the difference between half-staff and halfmast. NOTE: For an online version of this meeting plan, including links to online resources (videos, lesson plans, etc.), visit Talking points and discussion questions: Have you ever seen a United States flag flying in the middle of the flag pole instead of at the top of the flag pole? Do you know why the flag is sometimes flown at half-staff? The United States Flag Code specifies certain times when the flag should be flown at half-staff. (Download and print Flying the Flag at Half-Staff from the web page listed above under NOTE and make a copy for each student. Review with students.) Read the editorial at NJLawman.com entitled, Governor Wrong to Have Flag Lowered to Half Staff for Celebrities (available on web page listed above under NOTE ). Discuss the reasons why a Governor would want to order flags flown at half-staff for a popular celebrity, and why this is not proper. Why do we need to have rules governing when the United States flag is flown at half-staff? Bottom line: The U.S. Flag Code is very specific in its instructions concerning flying the United States flag at half-staff. When the circumstances of any particular person s death do not meet the criteria for flying the flag at halfstaff, failure to do so is not a show of disrespect for that person. It is simply a matter of following the law! Interesting note: When a flag cannot be lowered to half-staff (e.g. the type of flag typically mounted to the side of a residence, which is permanently attached to its staff), there is a tradition that allows for the attachment of two black streamers to the top of the flag pole. [Source: "Use of Black Ribbons for Mourning." National Flag Foundation. Accessed October 25, 2014.] 31

35 Half-Staff or Half-Mast? Most people use the terms interchangeably. Merriam-Webster s online dictionary defines half-mast as a point some distance but not necessarily halfway down below the top of a mast or staff or the peak of a gaff. The entry for half-staff simply points to the definition for half-mast. Grammarist states, In American English, a flag flown halfway up its flagpole as a symbol of mourning is at half-staff, and a flag flown halfway up a ship s mast to signal mourning or distress is at half-mast. The distinction does not run deep, though, as the terms are often mixed up, especially in unofficial contexts. 1 The Independence Hall Association, on their USHistory.org website, says that both terms can be used. The term half-mast is preferred by dictionaries and seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts). Halfstaff seems more appropriate on land, and is the preferred term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations. 2 The CVS Flags website says, Flying a flag at half-staff is largely associated with land flagpoles, leaving the term half-mast to ships. 3 CONCLUSION: For the purposes of the F.L.A.G. Program, the term halfmast will be used to refer to flags flown on ships during times of national mourning; and the term half-staff will be used to refer to flags flown on land during times of national mourning. SOURCES 1. "Half-mast vs. Half-staff." Grammarist. Accessed October 25, "Flag Frequently Asked Questions." Ushistory.org. Accessed October 25, "Half-Staff versus Half-Mast: Which Is Correct? Take the Quiz Now!" CVS Flags Blog Flying Proud. Accessed October 25,

36 F.L.A.G. CLUB MEETINGS Flag Code OBJECTIVE: Help students understand portions of the United States Flag Code not covered in previous meetings. NOTE: For an online version of this meeting plan, including links to online resources (videos, lesson plans, etc.), visit Talking points and discussion questions: In previous meetings, we have discussed the U.S. Flag Code as it pertains to: o The Pledge of Allegiance. o Respect for the flag, specifically the various ways in which the flag is not permitted to be used or displayed; o Flying the flag at half-staff. You will want to spend at least a couple of meetings focusing on other specific instructions set forth in the Flag Code. Print and distribute copies of The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions to students for reference during this discussion (available on web page listed above under NOTE ). 5. Display and Use of Flag by Civilians; Codification of Rules and Customs; Definition. The Flag Code s purpose is to set forth guidelines for civilians and civilian groups. Military service branches and personnel have their own rules. 6. Time and Occasions for Display. Discuss each subsection briefly. Be sure to mention subsection (g): The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse. By participating in the F.L.A.G. Program, you are helping your school obey the law! 7. Position and Manner of Display. Discuss the various flag display scenarios mentioned in each subsection, using the pictures and illustrations on the following pages to help students visualize the Flag Code s instructions. The common principles throughout all these scenarios are that the United States flag is always to be treated with great respect, is to occupy a place of prominence when displayed, and the union is to occupy the place of prominence in relation to the rest of the flag. 33

37 9. Conduct During Hoisting, Lowering or Passing of Flag. Stress the importance of the hand being placed over the heart, even when a cap or hat is being held (place the hand, not the hat, over the heart). NOTE: The flag display pictures on the following pages are also available for viewing on The F.L.A.G. Program s Flickr page at in the album titled, Position and Manner of Display. 34

38 The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag s own right [4 U.S.C. 7] Marines present the colors to Chicago, by United States Marine Corps Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) Used by permission 35

39 or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. [4 U.S.C. 7] Color guard, by Keith Garner Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Used by permission 36

40 The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section. [4 U.S.C. 7(a)] Orem City Festival Parade , by Kevin Burnett Creative Commons License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Used by permission 37

41 The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. [4 U.S.C. 7(b)] Cadillac with flags, by Miguel Tejada-Flores Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) Used by permission 38

42 No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America [4 U.S.C. 7(c)] When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. [4 U.S.C. 7(f)] US and Texas Flags, by CC Rogers Creative Commons License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Used by permission 39

43 The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag s own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. [4 U.S.C. 7(d)] Crossed Flags, by Paul O Rear Creative Commons License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Used by permission 40

44 The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. [4 U.S.C. 7(e)] Flags, by JackAZ Photo Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Used by permission 41

45 When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. [4 U.S.C. 7(h)] Happy Flag Day!, by John Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) Used by permission 42

46 When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building. [4 U.S.C. 7(h)] Composite picture comprised of: 1. Sunset in La Grange, by Pen Waggener Creative Commons License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Used by permission 2. American Flag Flying, by skeeze License: CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication Used by permission COMPOSITE PICTURE Sidewalk Flag, composited by Paul O Rear Creative Commons License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Used by permission 43

47 When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag s own right, that is, to the observer s left. [4 U.S.C. 7(i)] Left: Flag, by Leo Reynolds Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Used by permission Right: American Flag, American Barn, by woodleywonderworks Creative Commons License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Used by permission 44

48 When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. [4 U.S.C. 7(i)] In remembrance, by Bob Travis Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) Used by permission Modification: flipped picture horizontally 45

49 When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street. [4 U.S.C. 7(j)] Composite picture comprised of: _ , by deegolden License: morguefile free photo Used by permission 2. Compass Rose English North by Andrew pmk, by Patrick87, via Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons License: Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Used by permission COMPOSITE PICTURE George Washington Bridge, Facing West-Northwest, composited by Paul O Rear Creative Commons License: Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) Used by permission 46

50 When used on a speaker s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. [4 U.S.C. 7(k)] 2007SOU Bush Cheney Pelosi, by White House photographer David Bohrer, via Wikimedia Commons Public domain 47

51 When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman s or speaker s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience. [4 U.S.C. 7(k)] Obama press briefing on national debt, by White House photographer David Lienemann, via Wikimedia Commons Public domain 48

52 When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. [4 U.S.C. 7(n)] US Navy N-6811L-043 Nancy Reagan lays her head on the flag-draped mahogany casket of her husband, former President Ronald Reagan, by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, via Wikimedia Commons 043_Nancy_Reagan_lays_her_head_on_the_flagdraped_mahogany_casket_of_her_husband,_former_President_Ronald_Reagan.jpg Public domain 49

53 When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer s left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east. [4 U.S.C. 7(o)] Chicago - Citigroup Center, by Joanne C Sullivan Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) Used by permission 50

54 SECTION 6 Flag Q & A 51

55 1. Q: What is Vexillology? A: The study of flags 2. Q: Why does a properly folded U.S. flag resemble a triangle? A: To represent the Minuteman hat worn by George Washington s troops 3. Q: What color should never be seen when the U.S. flag is properly folded? A: Red 4. Q: What does the third fold of the U.S. flag represent? A: The veteran who has served his or her country 5. Q: How many rows of stars are on the U.S. flag? A: Nine 6. Q: Who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance and in what year? A: Francis Bellamy, Q: Why is the year 1818 significant in the history of the U.S. flag? A: Congress enacted a law to keep the original 13 stripes and add a star for each new state. 8. Q: When a state is admitted into the Union, when is that state s star added to the flag? A: On the following July 4 th 9. Q: Which U.S. President signed an Act of Congress designating the annual observance of National Flag Day? A: Harry Truman 10. Q: What year did Congress pass legislation designating National Flag Day, and on what month and day is it celebrated? A: 1949, June 14 th 52

56 11. Q: In what year did the Continental Congress pass a resolution establishing an official flag for our nation? A: Q: According to legend, who is widely believed to have made the first American flag? A: Betsy Ross 13. Q: In what year is Betsy Ross purported to have made the first American flag? A: Q: When a flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, what should be done with it? A: It should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. 15. Q: What official documentation prescribes the customs and rules governing the display and use of the flag of the United States by civilians? A: The U.S. Flag Code (Title 4, Chapter 1 of the U.S. Code) 16. Q: What is the height of an official flagpole on a U.S. military base? A: 50 feet 17. Q: Where is the only place a U.S. flag can be flown at half-mast? A: On a ship at sea ( half-staff is the term used on land) 18. Q: What is the term used for the ball ornament on top of a flagpole? A: Truck 19. Q: According to legend, what three items are contained inside the truck (ball ornament) on top of a flagpole, and why? A: A bullet, a razor blade, and a match. If in battle, and the military post is being overrun, the last person is to use the bullet to fire one last shot at the enemy, the razor blade to cut the field out of the flag, and the match to burn the flag. We would rather burn our flag than surrender it to the enemy. 53

57 20. Q: What is the proper way for a civilian to salute the flag? A: Right hand over the heart 21. Q: What is the proper way to drape a U.S. flag over a casket? A: With the union at the head and over the left shoulder 22. Q: Where in America is the U.S. flag flown with no place of honor? A: The United Nations building (where it is flown in a position of equal prominence or honor with the flags of other nations) 23. Q: What do the stars on the American flag represent? A: Each star represents one of the 50 states 24. Q: When is it appropriate to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff? A: Upon the death of principal figures in the United States Government and other officials according to Presidential instructions or orders, and in some cases according to orders from a State Governor for the national flag to be flown at half-staff in that state 25. Q: How many triangular folds are there in a properly folded U.S. flag? A: Q: What year was the U.S. flag first depicted on a postage stamp? A: 1869 [INTERESTING NOTE: Section 8(i) of the Flag Code states that The flag should never be printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Flag purists argue that printing the flag on a disposable postage stamp is actually a violation of the Flag Code.] 27. Q: What term is used for raising the flag briskly? A: Reveille 28. Q: What term is used for lowering the flag ceremoniously? A: Retreat 54

58 29. Q: The American flag should never be allowed to touch. A: anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. (It should be received by waiting hands and arms.) 30. Q: How many stripes are on the American flag, and what do they represent? A: 13, the original 13 colonies a. Delaware b. Pennsylvania c. New Jersey d. Georgia e. Connecticut f. Massachusetts g. Maryland h. South Carolina i. New Hampshire j. Virginia k. New York l. North Carolina m. Rhode Island 31. Q: What is the official nickname for the American flag? A: Old Glory 32. Q: What inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem? A: During and after the Battle of Fort McHenry (during the War of 1812), on September 14, 1814, the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air revealed that our flag was still flying! 33. Q: What does the color red represent on the U.S. flag? A: Hardiness and Valor 34. Q: What does the color white represent on the U.S. flag? A: Purity and Innocence 55