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 29 - May 5 ]

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

Today's Flag Status
Our Flag flies at full staff in all 50 states, except Arizona, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.

[ In Arizona, the U.S. and State Flags are at half-staff on Monday, April 30, 2018 to honor the life of fallen Nogales Police Officer Jesus Cordova.
Flags will also be lowered on the day of Officer Cordova’s interment, which has not been set.
In South Carolina, their Flags fly at half-staff until sunset on Monday, April 30, 2018, in tribute to Deputy James L. Kirk, Jr. of the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty.
In Wisconsin, their U.S. and State Flags are at half-staff today in honor of Spooner Fire District Firefighter Philip Neubich. ]
[CLICK for more info on the half-staff honorees - courtesy of FlagNotify.com)]

[ SPEAKER 2 - read blue text only ]

THIS WEEK'S FALLEN PATRIOTS TO HONOR:
[Died in the line of duty during the week of April 22 - 28]

Unfortunately, this week, we lost one U.S. Army Special Forces soldier deployed to Papau New Guinea. Sergeant First Class Shawn Green died on April 26th of a non-combat related incident.

[ pictured from left to right = Officers Cordova, Whites, and Santander, as well as, Corporal Cole == Images courtesy of ODMP.org ]

And, we lost 4 law enforcement officers who were killed by assailants this past week in Arizona, Texas, and Maine.
Please, pray for these fallen Patriots and their families.

[See our #EndOfWatchWednesday (May 2) 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:
... asks us... Who was the first American in Space?

[ Astronaut Alan Shepard in his Freedom 7 space suit = image from NASA ]

In 1959, seven military test pilots were selected as America's first astronauts. But, it wasn't until May 5th of 1961 that we actually had our first true astronaut. U.S. Navy Commander Alan Shepard became the first American to fly in space on that day aboard the Freedom 7 spacecraft. His passion for flying started in high school where he worked odd jobs at a local airport to get free flight lessons. Eventually, his passion carried him all the way to the moon - as he was commander of the Apollo 14 mission to the moon in 1972.
So, like Alan Shepard, don't be afraid to chase your dreams because they just might take you all the way to Mars now. ;)

[ Alan Shepard on the moon during Apollo 14's mission in 1972 = public domain image ]

via GIPHY

Now, please, stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Place your hand upon your heart and know that our liberties can empower you, like Alan Shepard, to humbly fulfill your passion - perhaps, all the way to outer space. ;)

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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!!!