pre-Pledge Tribute

[ 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. Before starting this Pre-Pledge tribute, CLICK TO CHECK 'TODAY'S FLAG STATUS'. If your state is at half-staff, memorize the honoree's name and job/position. ]

[ SPEAKER 1 - read blue text only]

Good morning / afternoon / evening, __(insert name of your group - like "Heritage Elementary" or "Boy Scout Troop" or "Rotary Club")__
Welcome to this week's
Flag Steward Pre-Pledge Tribute
[ for the week of April 22 - 28 ]

You're invited to follow or review later the pre-Pledge Tribute script and images at FlagSteward.org

Today's Flag Status

In our state, Old Glory flies at ___(say "full" or "half")___ staff today.
CLICK TO CHECK TODAY'S FLAG STATUS

[ End it here or read the following sentence if there is a half-staff in your state today ]
[ Optional - only say if your state is at half-staff today: ]
[ Optional = The U.S. Flag at half-staff in our state honors ___(say full name of honoree and say public servant job / position - such as police officer, state rep, etc.)___. ]

[ SPEAKER 2 - read blue text only ]

THIS WEEK'S FALLEN PATRIOTS TO HONOR:
[Died in the line of duty during the week of April 15 - 21]

Thankfully, this week, there are no fallen military service members from the Global War on Terrorism.

[ pictured from left to right = Sergeant Noel Ramirez, Deputy Taylor Lindsey == Image courtesy of Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office postings ]

Unfortunately, in law enforcement this week, there were 2 officers killed in the line of duty -
Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey were ambushed, shot, and killed while eating lunch at a restaurant in Florida.
Please, pray for these fallen officers and their families.

[See our #EndOfWatchWednesday (Apr. 25) tribute for more details about these heroic Law Enforcement Officers.]
[To leave a message and review the most detailed account of these law enforcement officers' line of duty death, please visit the
Officer Down Memorial Page]
[This Fallen Peace Officers feature is powered by the:]

[ SPEAKER 3 - read blue text only ]

THIS WEEK'S HISTORICAL REMINDER FROM OUR FLAG:

[ Samantha Smith holds letter written to Russian leader Yuri Andropov = image from YouTube video story ]

Over the years, America's relationship with Russia has had many ups and downs. During this week in 1983, when Cold War tensions were very high between Russia and USA, and many of our adult scout leaders were in school themselves ;), an American fifth-grader's letter to Russian leaders became famous. Russian leader Yuri Andropov answered Samantha Smith's questions about her Cold War nuclear weapon concerns. In his letter back to Samantha, the Soviet leader stated that after the horrible losses of life during World War II, Russian people want to "live in peace, to trade, and cooperate with all their neighbors on the globe, and certainly with such a great country as the United States of America." He also said he was, "doing everything he could to ensure no war between our two countries." He invited Samantha to visit Russia - which she did in the summer of 1983.
So (scouts/students), never think that as a student you can't make a big impact in this world. Samantha Smith, a 5th-grader from Maine, proved you can - as she started to change the Cold War outlook between Russia and USA.

[ Samantha Smith touring the Soviet Union (in center holding a bag) with a group of Russian students on July 1, 1983 = public domain image ]

via GIPHY

Now, please, stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Place your hand upon your heart and know that you, like Samantha Smith, can make a positive impact on this world.

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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.

Thanks for participating in today's
Flag Steward Pre-Pledge Ceremony
Now, go be a good citizen!!!