[ SSweeney pic of Flag Steward HQ's U.S. and Colorado State Flags flying in May 2019 ]
Welcome to today's Half-Saff Alerts and Lessons from Our Flag for Thursday, May 18th.
There is a Governor-directed half-staff order across New Jersey.
There is a Governor-directed half-staff order across New Jersey.
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 a $5 tax-deductible donation).
Today's Lesson from Our Flag recalls ...
[ public domain image / photo from USGS' Austin Post ]
On this date, May 18th of 1980, Mount St. Helens, a tall volcano in the southwest part of Washington, erupted and caused what most historians call the most destructive volcano explosion in U.S. history. 57 people were killed by the eruption and its debris and ash from Mount St. Helen reached 11 neighboring states.
On this date, May 18th of 1980, Mount St. Helens, a tall volcano in the southwest part of Washington, erupted and caused what most historians call the most destructive volcano explosion in U.S. history. 57 people were killed by the eruption and its debris and ash from Mount St. Helen reached 11 neighboring states.
Half-Staff Alerts & Honorees for May 18
*** 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 NEW JERSEY (NJ: May 18): New Jersey's Governor ordered all flags at state / public facilities across NJ to half-staff, from sunrise to sunset, on Thu., May 18, the date of his funeral, in honor of former Assemblyman and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Robert “Bob” C. Shinn, Jr.. Shinn passed away on May 5, 2023 at the age of 85, leaving behind an enduring legacy of public service and environmentalism. CLICK HERE to read the Gov.'s Flag order.
[ Note: To receive a Back-to-Full-Staff text alert for this order at sunset and all future New Jersey 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 New Jersey Governor (and US President) 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:
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.