​Reminders from Our Flag
for Friday, October 12, 2018
... a #NeverForgottenFriday ...

​​On this #FlagDayFriday, we recommend that your school / classroom perform this week's
Pre-Pledge Tribute

Today's Flag Status  ​
Our Flag flies at full staff across in 48 of 50 states. TN and NY are half-staff.

In Tennessee, the US and State Flags are half-staff on Friday, Oct 12th, to honor a fallen World War II sailor from Tennessee.U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class William Campbell of Elizabethton died aboard the USS Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  The battleship sank resulting in the deaths of 429 shipmates, including Campbell. Unfortunately, the majority of those who lost their lives aboard the battleship that day went unidentified. Their remains were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific until June 2015 when identification efforts renewed. Campbell was finally identified on May 9, 2018.
In New York, US and State Flags are half-staff from sunrise Thursday, Oct 11 until the day of interment (burial) for the 20 victims in the 'Schoharie limo crash' on Saturday night. 
​
GO HERE to read more of the NY flag proclamation

​​This Week's #NeverForgottenFriday Honoree

[ US Army image ]

Sadly, there was one soldier killed in the line of duty in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) recently.  US Army Sergeant James Slape, 23, of Morehead City, NC, was killed in action (KIA), by an IED, last Thursday, October 4th, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Slape was serving within Operations Resolute Support and Freedom's Sentinel as part of NC Army National Guard's 430th Explosive Ordnance Company.

Sergeant Slape's wife, Shawn, stated this motivating quote about her husband:
“If you were lucky enough to know James, you would agree that there are infinite amounts of positive things to say. James and I would always argue who loved the other person more. Though it was playful, I can say that he loved me more, as he literally put his life on the line for myself and the rest of our country. My husband was one of the strongest people I know and he loved spending time with his friends.”

​Today's Historical Reminder
... 126th Anniversary of Pledge of Allegiance at schools ... ​

[ Pic from 1890s of students doing 'Bellamy salute' during Pledge of Allegiance =public domain image ]

​
On this date (OTD), in 1892, students in many U.S. schools first recited the 'Pledge of Allegiance' as part of a nationwide celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus landing in the Americas.  Francis Bellamy, wrote the 'Pledge of Allegiance' for this occasion.  Back then, the Pledge stated, ""I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

[ Another 1890s classroom = public domain image ]

​​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)
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