[ SSweeney pic, taken in July 2022, of Flag Steward HQ's U.S. Flag at half-staff ]
Welcome to today's Half-Saff Alerts and Lessons from Our Flag for Monday, May 8th.
There is a National Half-Staff order until sunset on Thursday, May 11th.
There is a National Half-Staff order until sunset on Thursday, May 11th.
Keep SCROLLING down to review the Half-Staff alerts details and honoree pics, any UPCOMING national and state Half-Staff alerts, and info on our member-only half-staff and back-to-full-staff text alerts for your state and USA.
National and State-Targeted Half-Staff & Back-to-Full-Staff TEXT ALERTS
- a subscriber-only service from the Flag Steward nonprofit
- a subscriber-only service from the Flag Steward nonprofit
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to get a one-time, LIFETIME subscription for NATIONAL and STATE-TARGETED Half-Staff & Back-to-Full-Staff TEXT ALERTS (just $5 tax-deductible donation).
Today's Lesson from Our Flag recalls ...
[ public domain image ]
On this date, May 8th of 1945, Europeans and Americans held massive celebrations for what was called, "VE Day" (aka Victory in Europe Day). The German Nazi forces unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Forces; therby, ending World War II in Europe. The world's deadliest war ever was finally over (an estimated 35 - 60 million military and civilians killed worldwide). Today, please, pause for a moment to remember and honor the estimated 104,812 Americans who were killed in action (KIA) during WWII fighting in Europe (amongst the 450,000+ Americans KIA during all of WWII).
On this date, May 8th of 1945, Europeans and Americans held massive celebrations for what was called, "VE Day" (aka Victory in Europe Day). The German Nazi forces unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Forces; therby, ending World War II in Europe. The world's deadliest war ever was finally over (an estimated 35 - 60 million military and civilians killed worldwide). Today, please, pause for a moment to remember and honor the estimated 104,812 Americans who were killed in action (KIA) during WWII fighting in Europe (amongst the 450,000+ Americans KIA during all of WWII).
Half-Staff Alerts & Honorees for May 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.
NATIONAL HALF-STAFF May 7 - 11
All U.S. Flags to HALF-STAFF across the USA, along with all State and other Flags flying where the U.S. Flag is hoisted, until sunset on Thu., May 11th, "as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas." GO HERE to read the Presidential proclamation.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future National and State Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
All U.S. Flags to HALF-STAFF across the USA, along with all State and other Flags flying where the U.S. Flag is hoisted, until sunset on Thu., May 11th, "as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas." GO HERE to read the Presidential proclamation.
[Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order and all future National and State Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
Upcoming Half-Staffs
GO CLICK HERE to see the completed National and State Half-Staff Orders in 2023
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
