​Reminders from Our Flag
for Friday, July 20, 2018
... a #FlagDayFriday and #NeverForgottenFriday...
​On this #FlagDayFriday, we recommend that your group perform a ...
Pre-Pledge Tribute

Today's Flag Status  ​
Our Flag flies at full staff across the USA, except in Missouri, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

In Missouri, the Governor just called US and State Flags in Missouri to half-staff until sunset on July 27th in honor of the (13 dead) victims of the boating accident at Table Rock Lake.
In Hawaii, the U.S. and State Flags are to be flown at half-staff, until sunset on Friday, July 20, in honor of  Hawaii Police Department Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 17th.
In Massachusetts, the US and Commonwealth of MA flags have been placed at half-staff, until sunset on Friday, to honor Weymouth Police Officer Michael Chesna.  He was shot and killed by an assailant on the morning of July 15th.

​​This Week's #NeverForgottenFriday Honorees

[ public domain images ]

Unfortunately, there were 2 military personnel who died on July 12, in separate incidents, while serving in the Global War on Terror last week.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant James Grotjan, 26, of Waterford, CT, (pictured right) died, on July 12, in a non-combat related incident while serving with 4th Civil Engineer Squadron at Al Dhafra Air Base in United Arab Emirates. 
And, a valuable member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Christopher Andrew Celiz, 32, of Summerville, SC, (pictured left) was killed by small arms fire while helping evacuate a wounded soldier in Paktia province of Afghanistan. SFC Celiz, unbelievably, was on his seventh deployment and has been awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and a Meritorious Service Medal posthumously.
We honor these men and their service to our country and the countries to which they deployed during their careers - defending our Constitution and fighting to bring freedom to citizens in oppressed regions.

Sadly, there was another military service member, a famous Vietnam Veteran who will never be forgotten, that died on Wednesday.  Adrian Cronauer died of an age-related illness at the age of 79 in Troutville, VA.  He was portrayed by Robin Williams in the 1987 movie, Good Morning, Vietnam.  In honor of him today, take a listen to one of his original radio calls in Vietnam. ​

Today's Historical Moment
America takes control of the 'Space Race'

[ Apollo 11 left behind an American Flag and this plaque on the moon. The plaque states, "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon. July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all mankind." = public domain image ]

​On this date (OTD), July 20th of 1969, Astronaut Neil Armstrong famously stated, "The Eagle has landed," when the lunar module touched down on the surface of the moon.  The next and most famous quote by Neil Armstrong was stated as he became the first man to set foot on the moon. 
He stated, [Play the audio file below or read the statement below if the audio doesn't play.]
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Interestingly, 49 years later and America is still the only country to have astronauts walk on the moon. 
How many?

[ John Young, Commander of Apollo 16 (the second to last mission to the moon) = public domain image ]

12 have walked on the moon.  And, I bet you can only name one ;)
GO HERE if you want to review a list of the 12. 

​​Thanks for reviewing today's 'Reminders for Our Flag'
- a service from the Flag Steward program

​​Now go 'Be a good citizen' today by ... 
... picking up and disposing of 2 pieces of trash that will help
keep America beautiful !!!

​In God We Trust
(Official motto of the United States of America)
​###################​