Welcome to Flag Steward's
'Be a Stud Citizen' Message
for Friday, February 19, 2021
[ Pic by USMC Sgt. Knapp = public domain pic ]
'Be a Stud Citizen' Message
for Friday, February 19, 2021
[ Pic by USMC Sgt. Knapp = public domain pic ]
Since February is a Black History Month, we're going to focus this month's 4 'Be a Stud Citizen' Messages (1 per week) on a review of a few of the nearly 100 African-Americans bestowed with the US military's highest decoration (award) - the Medal of Honor.
[ 3 Ways for Students to Experience today's 'Be a Stud Citizen - Reminders from Our Flag': ]
[ 1) Scroll down this page and read it to yourself or perform it aloud for your school / classroom. If reading the page to a classroom, skip any text in [ brackets ].
2) Play & listen to the 'BASC' podcast as you or your classroom follow along while scrolling down this page on a device or classroom projection
or, 3) Play & watch, by yourself or with your classrooom on a projector, the screen captured short video performance of this page ]
[ 1) Scroll down this page and read it to yourself or perform it aloud for your school / classroom. If reading the page to a classroom, skip any text in [ brackets ].
2) Play & listen to the 'BASC' podcast as you or your classroom follow along while scrolling down this page on a device or classroom projection
or, 3) Play & watch, by yourself or with your classrooom on a projector, the screen captured short video performance of this page ]
[ Note: ONE MORE HALF-STAFF, in CA, WAS ADDED AFTER the PODCAST RECORDING...
Flag Steward's 'Be a Stud Citizen' podcasts are available on nearly all podcast platforms for you to listen and enjoy however you prefer. ]
Flag Steward's 'Be a Stud Citizen' podcasts are available on nearly all podcast platforms for you to listen and enjoy however you prefer. ]
[ Note: If you can't access or play videos from YouTube in your school, then GO / CLICK HERE to watch today's stories from Our Flag on Loom. ]
Where is Our Flag, the U.S. Flag, at half-staff today?
[ CLICK HERE to see Half-Staff alert details, including pics, of Honorees ]
[ In case you didn't notice the difference from our usual "Reminders from Our Flag" page ... ... Yes, you've arrived at a special page, relaying our 'Be a Stud Citizen' Message, linked from a unique QR code on the Be a Stud Citizen - 2021 Interactive Calendar. ]
Be Inspired by American heroes:
[ U.S. Military Medals of Honor for (L to R) the US Army, the US Navy, Marine Corps, & Coast Guard, and the US Air Force ]
Medal of Honor recipient -
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers
Medal of Honor recipient -
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers
For courageously going on the offensive against German forces by providing cover fire for his retreating fellow tankers of the 761st Tank Battalion, in Guebling, Germany, from November 16th - 19th, in 1944, Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers was decorated with the Medal of Honor.
Citation reads -
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Staff Sergeant Rivers distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action during 16-19 November 1944, while serving with Company A, 761st Tank Battalion. On 16 November 1944, while advancing toward the town of Guebling, France, Staff Sergeant Rivers' tank hit a mine at a railroad crossing. Although severely wounded, his leg slashed to the bone, Staff Sergeant Rivers declined an injection of morphine, refused to be evacuated, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company into Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Staff Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions beyond the town through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn that day, Company As' tanks advanced toward Bourgaltoff, their next objective, but were stopped by enemy fire. Captain David J. Williams, the Company Commander, ordered his tanks to withdraw and take cover. Staff Sergeant Rivers, however, radioed that he had spotted the German antitank positions: "I see 'em. We'll Fight'em!" Staff Sergeant Rivers, joined by another Company A tank, opened fire on enemy tanks, covering Company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Staff Sergeant Rivers' tank was hit, killing him and wounding the rest of the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers' fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.
Citation reads -
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Staff Sergeant Rivers distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action during 16-19 November 1944, while serving with Company A, 761st Tank Battalion. On 16 November 1944, while advancing toward the town of Guebling, France, Staff Sergeant Rivers' tank hit a mine at a railroad crossing. Although severely wounded, his leg slashed to the bone, Staff Sergeant Rivers declined an injection of morphine, refused to be evacuated, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company into Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Staff Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions beyond the town through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn that day, Company As' tanks advanced toward Bourgaltoff, their next objective, but were stopped by enemy fire. Captain David J. Williams, the Company Commander, ordered his tanks to withdraw and take cover. Staff Sergeant Rivers, however, radioed that he had spotted the German antitank positions: "I see 'em. We'll Fight'em!" Staff Sergeant Rivers, joined by another Company A tank, opened fire on enemy tanks, covering Company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Staff Sergeant Rivers' tank was hit, killing him and wounding the rest of the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers' fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.
And, now it's time to ...
Recite the Pledge of Allegiance
Recite the Pledge of Allegiance
Students across America, at school or at home, inspired to 'Be a Stud Citizen', like Medal of Honor recipient, Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers, please unite and recite the Pledge.
GO / CLICK HERE to elevate your Flag Steward daily experience by getting your own Be a Stud Citizen - 2021 Interactive Calendar
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