pre-Pledge Tribute

NOTE: The Pre-Pledge Tribute for the week of Aug 26 - Sep 1 will be posted by EOD Sunday.

[ Pre-Pledge Tribute for week of August 19-25 ]
[ 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 August 19 - 25 ]

Today's Flag Status
[for Aug 25, 2018]
Our Flag flies at full staff across the USA, except in Iowa.

[ GO HERE for details about today's half-staff honoree ]

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

[ US Army and Facebook images ]

Unfortunately, there were two military service members who died in the line of duty last week.
Sergeant First Class Reymund Transfiguracion, a US Army Special Forces soldier fighting in Afghanistan was killed by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device).
And, US Marine Corporal Jonathan Currier, a helicopter mechanic, was lost overboard while sailing on the USS Essex ship and died at sea near the Philippines.
[ GO HERE to learn about SFC Transfiguracion and CLICK HERE to read more about Cpl Currier ]

Back on the homefront ...

[ pics courtesy of police departments and ODMP ]

Sadly, two law enforcement officers were reported as line of duty deaths last week.
FBI Agent Brian Crews died of cancer that developed from him helping with search and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center after its attack back on September 11, 2001.
And, Detroit Police Officer Fadi Shukur was killed during a car hit-and-run.

Please, pray for all these fallen patriots and their family and friends in mourning.

[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:]

w[ SPEAKER 3 - read blue text only ]

THIS WEEK'S REMINDER FROM OUR FLAG:
... all men, and women, are created equal ...

[ Speaker of the House Gillett signing the 19th Amendment, the Women's Suffrage Bill, into law = public domain image ]

During this week, we celebrate 'National Women's Equality Day.' On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was signed into law - finally giving women the right to vote. Then, in 1971, 'National Women's Equality Day' was created as a reminder of women's voting rights and the continued fight for equal rights in America.

via GIPHY

Now, please, stand, place your hand upon your heart, and recite together the Pledge of Allegiance

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.