170803- Our Flag's Daily Briefing

[Today's flag ceremony script is below. We recommend that you read aloud, in the best performance voice you have, all the ceremony text with 2 exceptions: 1) do not read caption text below pictures, and 2) do not read any text with [brackets] around it.]

Good morning, USA!!!
Welcome to
Our Flag's Daily Briefing
for Thursday, August 3, 2017
[3-in-3: delivering 3 patriotic reminders in 3 minutes]

'Beacon of Honor - Awakens Our Flag' ... to Inform and Inspire Citizens

On this date, August 3rd, of 1923, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as our President shortly after Warren Harding's sudden death. Here's a picture of President Calvin Coolidge at Arlington National Cemetery in 1924 [public domain image]

TODAY'S FLAG STATUS:

Across the USA, Our Flag flies at full staff, except in Michigan. Our Flag is at half-staff in MI to honor Detroit Firefighter Kevin Vance Ramsey, who died while on duty.

[Click here to learn more about today's half-staff honorees and
verify the latest flag status for every state (courtesy of FlagNotify.com)]

Now, please, stand and place your hand upon your heart and make this flag-raising ceremony more meaningful
by honoring Our Flag and 'the Republic for which it stands'.

[Note: Play 'Reveille' while raising / posting the flag of the United States of America]

TODAY'S REMINDER FROM OUR FLAG:
... with liberty and justice for all ...

President Coolidge poses with Native Americans after signing the "Indian Citizenship Act" in 1924 [public domain image]

[Note: You're welcome to play 'God Bless the USA' performed by the U.S. Army Field Band in the background to enhance today's ceremony experience]

On August 3, 1923, shortly after President Warren Harding died of a heart attack or stroke, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as the 30th President of the United States of America. He served as President from 1923 to 1929, when America was going through fast economic growth, known as the Roaring 20s. He was best known for advocating a smaller government and racial equality - especially the Native Americans, to whom he granted U.S. citizenship.

TODAY'S FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS ALERT:

[public domain image]

Unfortunately, there are two service members who were killed recently when a NATO convoy was attacked in Afghanistan. When their names are released, we'll pay them a fitting tribute.

via GIPHY

In closing, take a moment to reflect upon Our Flag and all the inspiring stories it tells.

[Optional: Say the 'Pledge of Allegiance' or sing the 'National Anthem' while closing the ceremony and placing your hand upon your heart.]

[No copyright: Image found on ThingLink.com]

Only those Americans who are willing to die for their country are fit to live.
-Douglas MacArthur

Lyrics by Francis Scott Key [Image: No copyright. Found on http://www.wadeburleson.org]

Thanks for attending today's BoH ceremony.
Now, go be a good citizen!!!

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END OF CEREMONY
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... And, here are more music selections to use with your flag ceremony ...

[Cover of U.S. Government Publication]

The U.S. Flag Code:
provides Our Flag's Rules and Regulations

[HIGHLIGHTS OF: The U.S. Flag Code stating how citizens should conduct themselves during this ceremony is below.]

Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS
National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner, conduct during playing:
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
Note: A new law was passed on October 30, 2008 that authorizes veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem. This publication is currently being updated to reflect the new law.

Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery:
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

Content Sources & Credits:
Sources: Click here to see our Sources for content research
Credits: Unless otherwise noted here, photos displayed each day are public domain images, pictures by Sean Sweeney, or used by permission.

To learn more about the Beacon of Honor nonprofit project, go to http://BeaconOfHonor.org
SF