Scroll down to see how the Flag Steward nonprofit, which Informed, Inspired, & Served more than 1.4 million unique users in 2021,
delivers the most accurate, honorable, and complete national and state half-staff alerts and an informative / inspiring daily 'Pre-Pledge of Allegiance Tribute' for students to perform and all Americans to witness.
[ Top pic = SSweeney pic of Flag Steward HQ's flagpole view in Apr. 2020 ]
delivers the most accurate, honorable, and complete national and state half-staff alerts and an informative / inspiring daily 'Pre-Pledge of Allegiance Tribute' for students to perform and all Americans to witness.
[ Top pic = SSweeney pic of Flag Steward HQ's flagpole view in Apr. 2020 ]
[ Students perform and/or listen to their teacher read the daily 'Pre-Pledge Tribute' text in RED ]
Welcome to today's Half-Staff Alerts and Pre-Pledge of Allegiance Tribute
for Friday, April 8th
for Friday, April 8th
[ 1960 publc domain image of Hank Aaron with Milwaukee Braves ]
On this date, April 8, 1974, Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, hit his 715th home run in front of his home team, Atlanta Braves, fans - becoming the all-time home run leader in Major League Baseball. He had come a long ways from his childhood days of hitting bottle caps with a stick because his poverty-stricken family couldn't afford baseball equipment. And, he did it in the face of constant racism - on and off the field, as highlighted by this Sport Illustrated quote:
"Is this to be the year in which Aaron, at the age of thirty-nine, takes a moon walk above one of the most hallowed individual records in American sport...? Or will it be remembered as the season in which Aaron, the most dignified of athletes, was besieged with hate mail and trapped by the cobwebs and goblins that lurk in baseball's attic?"
On this date, April 8, 1974, Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, hit his 715th home run in front of his home team, Atlanta Braves, fans - becoming the all-time home run leader in Major League Baseball. He had come a long ways from his childhood days of hitting bottle caps with a stick because his poverty-stricken family couldn't afford baseball equipment. And, he did it in the face of constant racism - on and off the field, as highlighted by this Sport Illustrated quote:
"Is this to be the year in which Aaron, at the age of thirty-nine, takes a moon walk above one of the most hallowed individual records in American sport...? Or will it be remembered as the season in which Aaron, the most dignified of athletes, was besieged with hate mail and trapped by the cobwebs and goblins that lurk in baseball's attic?"
Before reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, we must observe where the U.S. Flag is at half-staff today, Friday, Apr. 8th.
There are new half-staff orders for the US Flag in Alaska, Kentucky, and Florida. The US Flag is at half-staff in parts of Florida for a mayor, across Alaska for a former state representative, throughout Kentucky for a fallen World War II sailor, and in parts of Ohio for two honorees - a fallen police officer and US Marine. The State of Pennsylvania Flag is half-staff for a fallen officer.
There are new half-staff orders for the US Flag in Alaska, Kentucky, and Florida. The US Flag is at half-staff in parts of Florida for a mayor, across Alaska for a former state representative, throughout Kentucky for a fallen World War II sailor, and in parts of Ohio for two honorees - a fallen police officer and US Marine. The State of Pennsylvania Flag is half-staff for a fallen officer.
Keep SCROLLING down to review the Half-Staff alerts details and honoree pics, as well as any UPCOMING national and state Half-Staff alerts.
And, now it's time to say the Pledge of Allegiance.
Students across America, inspired by how Hank Aaron overcame many obstacles and difficulties to set an amazing baseball record, please, join each other in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thanks for being part of today's Pre-Pledge of Allegiance Tribute.
Now, go out and be a 'Stud Citizen' - a more informed, inspired, respectful student-citizen.
National and State-Targeted Half-Staff & Back-to-Full-Staff TEXT ALERTS
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Half-Staff Alerts & Honorees for April 8
*** Reminder: The Flag orders, by government officials (President, Governor, etc.) are for flags at government facilities within that official's jurisdiction. Citizens are encouraged, but not required to follow the orders.
*** Reminder: The Flag orders, by government officials (President, Governor, etc.) are for flags at government facilities within that official's jurisdiction. Citizens are encouraged, but not required to follow the orders.
All Flags across ALASKA (AK: Apr. 8): Alaska's Governor ordered all (US & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the state, to half-staff, from sunrise until sunset, on Fri., Apr. 8, in honor of former Alaska Representative Charles “Chuck” G. Anderson Jr.. CLICK HERE to read the Governor's Flag order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Alaska Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Alaska Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
All Flags across KENTUCKY (KY: Apr. 8): Kentucky's Governor ordered ALL (US & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the state, to half-staff, from sunrise until sunset, on Fri., Apr. 8, the date of his interment, in honor of US Navy Fireman 2nd Class Hal J. Allison, 21, of Paducah, Kentucky. Fireman Allison was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, during WWII, on Dec. 7, 1941, and his remains were just recently identified and returned home for a final burial. CLICK HERE to read the Governor's Flag order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Kentucky Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Kentucky Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
All (U.S. & State) Flags atop State Capitol in Tallahassee and other locations specified hereafter, FLORIDA (FL: Apr. 8): FL Governor ordered all (U.S. & State) Flags at all public facilities at the Broward County Courthouse, the City Hall and Municipal Complex of Lighthouse Point, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida to half-staff, from sunrise to sunset on Fri., Apr. 8, to honor the life and service of Lighthouse Point's Mayor Glenn Troast. CLICK HERE to see the Governor's Flag order.
[Note: To receive future Half-Staff and Back-to-Full-Staff TEXT alerts for Flag orders in Florida and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive future Half-Staff and Back-to-Full-Staff TEXT alerts for Flag orders in Florida and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
All Commonwealth (State) Flags across PENNSYLVANIA (PA: Apr. 1 - 8): PA's Governor ordered all Commonwealth (State) Flags at all state facilities to half-staff, immediately on Fri., Apr. 1 until sunset on Fri., Apr. 8, the date of his funeral, to honor Lebanon City Police Lieutenant William Lebo, who was shot in the line of duty on March 31, 2022, and died from his injuries. CLICK HERE to see the Flag order info. GO HERE to see details about Lt. Lebo's funeral.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Flag orders in Pennsylvania and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Flag orders in Pennsylvania and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
All (US & State) Flags atop Statehouse and across Allen and Hancock Counties, OHIO (OH: Mar. 31 - Apr. 8) OH Governor ordered all Flags atop the Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, the Rhodes State Office Tower, and across Allen and Hancock Counties (and all other public buildings across the state may join at their discretion) to half-staff, at approximately noon on Thu., Mar. 31 until sunset on Fri., Apr. 8, the date of his funeral and interment, in honor of the life and service of Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis, who was killed in the line of duty. CLICK HERE to see the Governor's Flag order.
[ Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Ohio Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[ Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Ohio Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
All (US & State) Flags atop Statehouse and across Guernsey County, OHIO (OH: Apr. 1 - 9) OH Governor ordered all Flags atop the Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, the Rhodes State Office Tower, and across Guernsey County (and, if you have not already joined the ongoing order Fallen Officer Francis, all other public buildings across the state may join at their discretion) to half-staff until sunset on Sat., Apr. 9, the date of his interment, in honor of the life and service of US Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant James W. Speedy, who killed in a NATO training exercise. CLICK HERE to see the Governor's Flag order.
[ Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Ohio Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[ Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Ohio Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
Upcoming Half-Staffs
All Flags across MASSACHUSETTS (MA: Apr. 9) Massachusetts' Governor ordeed all (US & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the state, to half-staff, from sunrise to sunset, on Sat., Apr. 9, the date of his interment, in honor of SSG Charles McMackin, United States Army Air Forces, World War II Army Air Forces, 68th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Air Force, (KIA 08-01-1943) formerly of Revere, Massachusetts. McMackin's remains were recently identified and sent home for final burial. CLICK HERE to read the Governor's Flag order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Massachusetts Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Massachusetts Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
STATE of MD Flags across MARYLAND (MD: Apr. 9): Maryland's Governor ordered the STATE of Maryland flag at all government / public facilities across the state to half-staff, from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Apr. 9, the date of his interment, in honor of former State Delegate William S. Horne, who passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022. CLICK HERE to read the Governor's Flag order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Maryland Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future Maryland Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
All (U.S. & State) Flags at Harris County government / public facilities, and the State of Texas Flag at DPS (Department of Public Safety) facilities in this region of TEXAS (TX: TBD): TX's Governor ordered the State of Texas Flag regionally at all DPS facilities, and then, all Flags atop HarrisCounty government / public facilities [and, individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions and entities in the surrounding area and region may fly flags at half-staff for the same period as a sign of honor and respect] to half-staff, on TBD dates in honor of the life and public service of Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez, who was shot and killed while confronting suspected car burglars off-duty on Mar. 31. GO HERE to see the info about the upcoming Governor's order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Flag orders in TX and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Flag orders in TX and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
All (U.S. & State) Flags at Harris County government / public facilities, and the State of Texas Flag at DPS (Department of Public Safety) facilities in this region of TEXAS (TX: TBD): TX's Governor ordered the State of Texas Flag regionally at all DPS facilities, and then, all Flags atop HarrisCounty government / public facilities [and, individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions and entities in the surrounding area and region may fly flags at half-staff for the same period as a sign of honor and respect] to half-staff, on TBD dates in honor of the life and public service of Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Constable Jennifer Chavis, who killed in the line of duty by a drunken driver. GO HERE to see the info about the upcoming Governor's order.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Flag orders in TX and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future Flag orders in TX and across USA = GO CLICK HERE ]
Half-Staff Flag Etiquette (Procedures):
Flag-raising at sunrise = hoist the Flags to full staff, then lower slowly, respectfully to half-staff
Flag-lowering at sunset = hoist Flags up from half-staff back to full-staff, then lower slowly, respectfully all the way down for removal
Flag-raising at sunrise = hoist the Flags to full staff, then lower slowly, respectfully to half-staff
Flag-lowering at sunset = hoist Flags up from half-staff back to full-staff, then lower slowly, respectfully all the way down for removal
Stars & Stripes Flag Etiquette:
[Cover of U.S. Government Publication]
The U.S. Flag Code:
provides Our Flag's Rules and Regulations (CLICK HERE for full details)
[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.
Flag Steward (formerly known as Beacon of Honor and originally incorporated as GivingVu.org, Inc. in 2013) is a nonpartisan, student-inspired, Veteran-led 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Tax ID# 46-2457373
