FLAG STEWARD - Caretaker of Our Flag & Heralder of the Stories, Lessons, & Virtues woven within
  • Half-Staff Alerts
  • About Us
    • Contact Us >
      • Privacy Policy
    • Supporting Veterans >
      • College Tips for Veterans
  • .
Reminders from Our Flag
for Monday, November 19, 2018​


​​[ GO HERE to review and/or perform this week's Pre-Pledge Tribute (PPT) -
to make Pledge of Allegiance more engaging and meaningful. ]


Today's Star-Spangled Inspiration
... relates to today's Historical Moment to Remember ...
"... that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"
- Abraham Lincoln (closing of his Gettysburg Address)
Today's Flag Status
Across America, the US Flag flies at full staff in 46 of 50 states.  SD, TN, WV, and RI have their US and State Flags at half-staff.
Picture
In TENNESSEE, the Governor ordered the US and State Flags lowered to half-staff on Mon, Nov 19, as a tribute and memorial to mark the recent passing of two of our state’s most distinguished public servants, former House Finance Committee Chairman Charles Sargent of Franklin and former Senate Republican Leader Ben Atchley of Knoxville. Sargent served twenty-two years in the House; Atchley served nearly three decades in the Senate subsequent to two terms in the House.  [Note: This order is for the TN State Capitol building only, and began on Friday.  I wanted to inform TN residents of this opportunity to show respect beyond the Capitol.]

In WEST VIRGINIA, the US and State Flags are flying 
half-staff all day on Monday, November 19 to honor fallen U.S. Army Specialist Nicholas Caleb "Nick" Jividen.  SPC Jividen was killed during an armored vehicle training exercise at Fort Irwin, California on Nov. 6.

In SOUTH DAKOTA, the US and State Flags above the State Capitol are flying at half-staff on Monday, Nov. 19, to honor the life of former state legislator Roger Hunt.

In RHODE ISLAND, the Governor ordered the US and State Flag to half-staff to pay tribute to former RI First Lady Sue Carcieri.  Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of her interment (burial - TBD).
Today's Historical Moment to Remember
... One of America's most famous speeches ever ... 
Picture
[ Red arrow points to President Lincoln at Gettysburg =public domain images ]

On this date (OTD), November 19th, in 1863, President Abe Lincoln delivered his memorable Gettysburg Address. 
After the crowd patiently listened to Ed Everett of Massachusetts speak for two long hours, Abe Lincoln stood up and delivered his address in less than two minutes.  At the time, the crowd didn't seemed impressed by his speech.  But, later on, after reflecting upon and publishing his address in newsprint across the USA, folks realized this speech symbolized what democracy, and the current fighting to defend it, was all about. 
The Gettysburg Address has gone on to be one of America's most famous, and probably most recited speeches.  I recall memorizing and then reciting the Gettysburg Address in 7th Grade.  It was an emotional and extraordinary experience for me.  Why?  Because ... I was speaking to a classroom full of black students (yes, I was the only white kid in 6th-8th grade) at Resurrection School in Montgomery, Alabama back in 1982 - telling my African-American classmates what democracy can and should be doing for them and all U.S. citizens.
Picture
... from an epic speech to an embarrassing song recording ...

Today's Slice of Americana - Music
 
​... What?!  They lip-synced their way to a Grammy ...
Picture
[ fair / educaitonal use ]

On this date (OTD), November 19, in 1990, the music duo, "Milli Vanilli" (Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan) had their 1989 Best New Artist Grammy taken away from them because they lip-synced (didn't actually sing) the hit song, "Girl You Know It's True."  This was the first time a Grammy had bee taken back from an artist. ​
​Thanks for reviewing today's 'Reminders for Our Flag'
- a service from the Flag Steward program


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

​In God We Trust
(Official motto of the United States of America)
​###################​
Picture
  • Half-Staff Alerts
  • About Us
    • Contact Us >
      • Privacy Policy
    • Supporting Veterans >
      • College Tips for Veterans
  • .