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. 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. 2021 ]
[ 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 Tribute
for Wednesday, May 4th
for Wednesday, May 4th
[ public domain pic by Nathaniel Orr ]
On this date, May 4th of 1776, Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to end its loyalty to England and King George III. It was the first state to breakaway and declare its desire for independence. And, just 2 months later, all 13 colonies would make the United States of America's 'Declaration of Independence.'
On this date, May 4th of 1776, Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to end its loyalty to England and King George III. It was the first state to breakaway and declare its desire for independence. And, just 2 months later, all 13 colonies would make the United States of America's 'Declaration of Independence.'
Before reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, we must observe where the U.S. Flag is at half-staff today, Wednesday, May 4th.
There is a half-staff order in Utah. All Flags are half-staff across Utah for a former U.S. Senator.
There is a half-staff order in Utah. All Flags are half-staff across Utah for a former U.S. Senator.
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 the USA, inspired by the Colony of Rhode Island being the first to declare independence, 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
- 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).
Half-Staff Alerts & Honorees for May 4
*** 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 UTAH (UT: May 4) Utah's Governor ordered all (US & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the state, to half-staff, from sunrise to sunset on Wed., May 4, the date he lies in state at the Utah State Capitol Building, in recognition of the life, legacy, and selfless sacrifice of former U.S. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch. 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 Utah 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 Utah Governor (and US President) Flag orders = GO CLICK HERE ]
Upcoming Half-Staffs

All Flags across ALASKA (AK: May 23): Alaska's Governor ordered all (US & State) Flags at government / public facilities across the state, to half-staff, from sunrise until sunset, on Mon., May 23, the date of her memorial service, in honor of former Alaska state Senator Arliss Sturgulewski. CLICK HERE to read the Governor's Flag order. GO HERE to see her obituary specifying the date of her memorial service.
[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 ]
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.