pre-Pledge Tribute

[ Pre-Pledge Tribute for week of Oct 21-27 ]
[ Note: Do not read aloud any text with [ brackets ] around it. ONLY READ THE TEXT IN BLUE. We recommend 3 speakers lead and read aloud the 3 parts of the pre-Pledge ceremony. ]
[ SPEAKER 1 - read blue text only]

Good morning / afternoon / evening, __(insert name of your group - like "Heritage Elementary" or "Scout Troop")__.
Welcomes to this week's Pre-Pledge Tribute
powered by Flag Steward
[ for the week of Oct 21 - 27 ]

Today's Flag Status
[ for Oct 27, 2018 ]
Across America, the US Flag flies at full staff, except in MA, SC, and 2 counties in IN.

[ GO HERE to find details about today's half-staff honorees ]

[ SPEAKER 2 - read blue text only ]
THIS WEEK'S FALLEN PATRIOTS TO HONOR:

[ =public domain image ]

During this past week, thankfully, there have been no American service members killed in action during our current Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

But, during this week in U.S. history, on October 23rd of 1983, terrorists drove a truck loaded with dynamite into the U.S. and French headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. The truck exploded next to the barracks killing 241 U.S. service members (predominantly Marines) and 58 French paratroopers. It was deadliest single terrorist attack on American citizens overseas.

[ The Beirut Memorial at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina =public domain image ]

We honor and thank all those service members for defending our freedoms and fighting to liberate the lives of others.

[ CLICK HERE to learn more about this tragedy and bios of many of the victims.
And, comeback and watch this compelling video from 10 years ago - a firsthand account of the terrorist attack after you finish the Pre-Pledge Tribute ... ]

w[ SPEAKER 3 - read blue text only ]

THIS WEEK'S REMINDER FROM OUR FLAG:
... The dedication of the Statue of Liberty ...

[ Painting of dedication ceremony =public domain image ]

During this week in U.S. History, on October 28th of 1886, the Statue of Liberty, was dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland. The statue, standing about 100 yards tall on its pedestal, was a gift of friendship from the French people to honor the French-American teamwork during the American Revolutionary War.
Interestingly, the steel framework inside the Statue of Liberty was designed and built by, Gustave Eiffel, the man who built the Eiffel Tower. The tablet in Lady Liberty's left hand has the Roman numerals "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI" (July 4, 1776), reminding citizens of the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
The statue has become a symbol of freedom and welcoming sight to all immigrants coming to the United States of America.

[ 1927 pic of Statue of Liberty =public domain image ]

via GIPHY

Now, please, stand, place your hand upon your heart, and make this Pledge of Allegiance more meaningful
by honoring Our Flag and all the inspiring stories it tells.

Thanks for participating in today's
Flag Steward Pre-Pledge Tribute
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)

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.