Indoor pre-Pledge ceremony for Deputy Gumm

[ DON'T READ ALOUD IN FRONT OF YOUR CLASS OR OVER THE SCHOOL PA SYSTEM ANY TEXT BETWEEN BRACKETS ;) ]
[ This is the special script for Colorado schools to perform an indoor pre-Pledge ceremony on 2/2/2018]
Optional start to ceremony states, "Students and teachers you're invited to follow this 2-minute multimedia ceremony on your phone. Go to BeaconofHonor.org/Colorado"

Good morning, __(insert name of school, such as "Heritage Elementary")__
Welcome to today's Beacon of Honor
Pre-Pledge Observance
for Friday, February 2nd

Students do you know who ordered the U.S. and Colorado flags to be lowered to half-staff last Thursday, and why?
PLEASE, BE RESPECTFUL and LISTEN CLOSELY

TODAY'S FLAG STATUS:

In colorful Colorado, the Governor has ordered Our Flags to fly at half-staff, as they have since last Thursday, to honor Adams County Deputy Heath Gumm whose funeral is today. As many of you may know, Deputy Gumm, age 31 and married, was shot and killed while responding to a 911 call last Wednesday night, January 24th. Today, our state pays its final respects to Heath Gumm.

THIS WEEK'S FALLEN MILITARY TO HONOR:

During this past week, thankfully, there were no new fallen combatants in the Global War on Terrorism. So far, in 2018, there have been 2 fallen U.S. Army soldiers - 1 serving in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan.

THIS WEEK'S HISTORICAL REMINDER FROM OUR FLAG:

[ The Royal Exchange Building in New York City - where in 1790, the Supreme Court of the United States convened for the first time = public domain image ]

On this date in U.S. history, on February 2nd of 1790, the Supreme Court of the United States met for the first time. As its name states, the Supreme Court, which has 9 decision-making Justices, has ‘supreme’ authority over all laws and courts.

RECALLING DEPUTY HEATH GUMM'S LIFE OF SERVICE:

[ Adams County Sherriff patrol car memorial = fair use / educational use from ACSO ]

Like the Supreme Court opening we recall today, laws, justice, and courts were an important part of Deputy Heath Gumm's life. He served and protected the citizens of Adams County, just north of Denver, for more than 5 years. Deputy Gumm, also known as "Gummball", enforced the laws and made just decisions during his police duties.
In 2017, Deputy Gumm was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the Adams County Sheriff's Department.
Deputy Gumm graduated from Mullen High School in 2004 and left behind a wife and family.

[ Mullen High School picture of Heath Gumm from 2004 = via Facebook / educational use ]

[Optional: 'Taps' music to play before the Pledge (adds 1-minute to ceremony)]

In closing, ...
... let's show OUR APPRECIATION and PRIDE for the service of Deputy Heath Gumm, and all of our law enforcement officers, by standing and placing our hands upon our hearts as we state the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thanks for participating in today's Beacon of Honor - Awakens Our Flag
Pre-Pledge Ceremony
Now, go be a good citizen!!!

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END OF CEREMONY
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In God We Trust
(Official motto of the United States of America)

[Cover of U.S. Government Publication]

The U.S. Flag Code:
provides Our Flag's Rules and Regulations

[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.

Content Sources & Credits:
Sources: Click here to see our Sources for content research
Credits: Unless otherwise noted here, photos displayed each day are public domain images, pictures by Sean Sweeney, or used by permission.

To learn more about the Beacon of Honor nonprofit project, go to http://BeaconOfHonor.org
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