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, state, and local half-staff alerts and an informative / inspiring daily 'Pre-Pledge Tribute' for students to perform and all Americans to witness.
[ Top pic = SSweeney pic of moon setting over CO front range at sunrise in Jan. 2021 ]
delivers the most accurate, honorable, and complete national, state, and local half-staff alerts and an informative / inspiring daily 'Pre-Pledge Tribute' for students to perform and all Americans to witness.
[ Top pic = SSweeney pic of moon setting over CO front range at sunrise in Jan. 2021 ]
[ Students perform and/or listen to their teacher read the daily 'Pre-Pledge Tribute' text in RED ]
Welcome to today's Pre-Pledge Tribute and Half-Staff Alerts
for Friday, Jan. 28th
for Friday, Jan. 28th
[ Challenger's lost crew members included: Francis R. Scobee, Commander; Michael J. Smith, Pilot; Ronald McNair, Mission Specialist; Ellison Onizuka, Mission Specialist; Judith Resnik, Mission Specialist; Gregory Jarvis, Payload Specialist; Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist, Teacher = public domain image ]
On this date, Jan. 28th of 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger, with millions of school children watching the launch live in their classrooms, exploded just moments after liftoff. For Americans aged 45 and older, like me, this tragic event stands out as one of those, "I remember exactly where I was when I saw or heard about the Challenger explosion" life-defining moments.
On this date, Jan. 28th of 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger, with millions of school children watching the launch live in their classrooms, exploded just moments after liftoff. For Americans aged 45 and older, like me, this tragic event stands out as one of those, "I remember exactly where I was when I saw or heard about the Challenger explosion" life-defining moments.
Before reciting the Pledge, we must observe where the U.S. Flag is at half-staff today, Friday, Jan. 28th.
The U.S. Flag is at half-staff across New York for two fallen officers, throughout Maryland for 3 fallen firefigthers, across the Osage Nation for a former tribal leader, and throughout Harris County, Texas, for a fallen officer.
The U.S. Flag is at half-staff across New York for two fallen officers, throughout Maryland for 3 fallen firefigthers, across the Osage Nation for a former tribal leader, and throughout Harris County, Texas, 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.
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
GO / CLICK HERE
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).
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).
And, now it's time to do the Pledge of Allegiance.
Students across America, inspired by the diverse team and school teaching plans of the Space Shuttle Challender astronauts, please, join each other in reciting the Pledge.
Thanks for being part of today's Pre-Pledge Tribute.
Now, go out and be a 'Stud Citizen' - a more informed, inspired, respectful student-citizen.
Half-Staff Alerts & Honorees for January 28
*** 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 (US & State) Flags across NEW YORK (NY: Jan. 28 - Feb.2) New York's Governor ordered all Flags atop city government / public facilities to half-staff, from sunrise on Fri., Jan. 28, the date of the funeral for NYPD Officer Rivera, until sunset on Wed., Feb. 2, the date of funeral for NYPD Officer Mora, as a mark of respect for NYPD Officer's Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora (right side pic), who were shot and killed in the line of duty. CLICK HERE to see the Governor's Flag order.
[ NOTE: Officer Rivera's and Mora's funerals are both are at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC ]
[ NOTE: Officer Rivera's and Mora's funerals are both are at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC ]
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: til Feb. 1): TX's Governor ordered the State of Texas Flag regionally at all DPS facilities, and then, all Flags atop Harris County 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 until sunset on Tue., Feb. 1, the date of his funeral, in honor of the life and public service of Harris County Constable Precinct No. 5 Deputy Charles Galloway who died in the line of duty after being shot during a traffic stop. GO HERE to see the Governor's order. CLICK HERE to see info on Deputy Galloway's funeral.
[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 Flags across MARYLAND (MD: Jan. 24 - TBD): Maryland's Governor ordered all (US & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the state, at approximately 5:30pmEST today, Mon., Jan. 24, to half-staff, immediately, until sunset on the last day of interment (TBD), in honor of Lieutenant Paul Butrim, Firefighter/Paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/Firefighter Kenny Lacayo of the Baltimore City Fire Department, each of whom died in the line of duty on January 24, 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 Flags across OSAGE NATION (ON: Jan. 24 - 28): Osage Nation leaders ordered all (Osage Nation, US, & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the Osage Nation to half-staff until sunset on Fri., Jan. 28, the last day of interment, in honor of Kenneth “Kenny” Hemphill Bighorse Sr.. CLICK HERE to read the Flag order.
All (US & State) Flags in New York City, NEW YORK (NY: Jan. 22 - Feb.2) New York City Mayor, assumedly with approval and authority of the NY Governor ordered ALL Flags atop city government / public facilities to half-staff, immediately on Sat., Jan. 22, until sunset on Wed., Feb. 2, the date of the final funeral and interment, as a mark of respect for NYPD Officer's Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora (right side pic), who were shot and killed in the line of duty. CLICK HERE to see the Governor's Flag order.
[ NOTE: Officer Rivera's funeral is Fri., Jan. 28 and Mora's is Wed., Feb. 2, both are at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC ]
[ NOTE: Officer Rivera's funeral is Fri., Jan. 28 and Mora's is Wed., Feb. 2, both are at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC ]
Upcoming Half-Staffs
All Flags across MINNESOTA (MN: Jan. 31): Minnesota's Governor ordered all (US & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the state, to half-staff, from sunrise to sunset, on Mon., Jan. 31, in honor and remembrance of South Haven Fire & Rescue Department's Firefighter Allen Fischer, who died on Jan. 10. after contracting a sickness in the line of duty. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
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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
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- relaying the MOST ACCURATE and COMPLETE DAILY HALF-STAFF alerts, historical reminders, inspirational quotes & images, and iHonor American Flag fallen Patriot tributes
GO HERE to get Flag Steward App
Have a better Flag Steward experience by Installing the Flag Steward App
- relaying the MOST ACCURATE and COMPLETE DAILY HALF-STAFF alerts, historical reminders, inspirational quotes & images, and iHonor American Flag fallen Patriot tributes
GO HERE to get Flag Steward App
CLICK HERE to review the completed / archived half-staff alerts for 2020
US Flag Retirement & Disposal / Recycling Program (Short Survey):
Flag Steward is planning to solve another common US Flag owner question and problem.
How to properly retire and dispose of / recycle a US Flag?
Please, GO CLICK HERE to take a quick, 5 short questions survey to help Flag Steward decide if there's enough interest to enable this new Flag care program.
[ Note: Picture by S. Sweeney of horribly neglected US Flag found in front of a house in Greeley, CO in 2017. Flag Steward pulled over, took down the Flag and replaced it with a new one - no questions asked. ]
Flag Steward is planning to solve another common US Flag owner question and problem.
How to properly retire and dispose of / recycle a US Flag?
Please, GO CLICK HERE to take a quick, 5 short questions survey to help Flag Steward decide if there's enough interest to enable this new Flag care program.
[ Note: Picture by S. Sweeney of horribly neglected US Flag found in front of a house in Greeley, CO in 2017. Flag Steward pulled over, took down the Flag and replaced it with a new one - no questions asked. ]
Don't be bashful. Showcase your pride as a Caretaker of Our Flag, a Flag Steward.
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GO / CLICK HERE to check out the first set of Flag Steward tees - available via 'Flag Steward Goods' (store) powered by Shopify
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.