For those of you that fly the Stars and Stripes

Gregg(What's his name)? · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:04 AM

Patriot Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America - A Proclamation

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2003, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. In addition, I call upon all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

rdorman · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:12 AM

My flag NEVER comes down. It is up 24/7/365. But flying it at half staff on 9/11 is a good idea.
Thanks
Rick

Gregg(What's his name)? · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:40 AM

Rick,

Mine never comes down either. But I will go half staff on Thursday

Gregg H

jrussell · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 12:12 PM

Gregg,
Thanks for the post, because I missed it! We also have been flying our flag 24/7 since 9/11/2001, and I will not have a problem with flying it at half mast on Thursday!
Thanks again,
John Russell

Gregg(What's his name)? · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 02:57 PM

updated.

Dirtrich · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the heads up.

With all the bickering that goes on around here, this post will help to remind us what's really important in life.

Traveller · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 03:10 PM

I have a problem with it.

Fly the flag at full staff.

I don’t want to see weepy ceremonies or made for prime time docu-memorials. No doubt the tears and grieving go on, but it’s been 2 years and those emotions are best expressed in the privacy of family surroundings now.

In my mind, the best way to honor the victims of 9/11 is to avenge their deaths.

If you must commemorate this infamous date, do so by celebrating the news that our troops sent few dozen more of our enemy to the infernal regions that day.

I’m not saying we should move on, far from it. I’m saying LETS GET IT ON!

Gregg(What's his name)? · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 06:50 PM

Traveller,

This wasn't intended to be a what is right and wrong thing. I was just trying to inform people of the Proclamation made by the President.

But the more bad guys we take care of the faster my brethren in the military will come home.

Gregg H

G.R. · #9 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 09:22 PM

Half-staff is a display of honor for the fallen--a form of rememberance for the living--
Never Forget--the reason we are at war with a merciless foe--we will prevail--
God Bless America

if you think this is "patriotic" bs--ts, look into your hearts and look at your family

Whip · #10 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 05:24 AM

I some what agree with traveller....I think GWB is just looking for publicity. While I think remembering the day is important. I feel it is something we should grieve silently, and retaliate as nessicary! I do belive maybe the flag should be dipped, as a sign of respect for those lost.

bittentoo · #11 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 10:04 AM

OK guys,

Here is some flag etiquette on how to lower the flag to half mask, if you don't know:

If the flag is down, raise the flag to full mask and then lower to half.
If the flag is at full mask, lower to half.

To restore the flag to full mask after the rememberance, lower the flag and then raise to full mask.

BTW, does anyone know at what other time are we supposed to fly the flag a half mask?

SPEEDEAMON · #12 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 11:01 AM

For those of you flying the flag fully raised, half-staff, half-mast or half-mask 24/7/365 it is important to note that the proper ettiquette calls for the flag and mast to be illuminated after dusk or be lowered and stored properly. I wonder how many of you have proper illumination. I don't, so I take mine down.

Shin

Wild Thing · #13 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 11:22 AM

Forgive me if I as a german will take a stand here; but if I were American, I would fly the flag at half staff too.

I agree with G.R., displaying the flag at half means honoring the dead, showing them respect and that they will never be forgotten - this is not about GWB, its much bigger.

Gregg(What's his name)? · #14 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 07:03 PM

Speedeamon,

Yes mine is lit up at night. Lowering the flag is a sign of respect.

I do not care to discuss politics with anyone. All I know Is I'm flying my flag at Half staff on Thursday. You others may do what you wish.

Just a question: How many people lower there Flag on Veterans Day?

Can we not shed a tear for those who have died yesterday, last week, last year, last war etc.... We honor the fallen from all wars and pay respect to those who have servced. 11 September happened 2 years ago. Lets don't put our heads in the sand and forget. I for one will never forget. Sorry this is very emotional for me. I have friends who are serving in IRAQ and I may too be headed that way.

God Bless all those who have and are serving and GOD BLESS THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. GOD BLESS AMERICA

Gregg H

David Kirkham · #15 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 07:12 PM

Gents,

I don't have a flag pole, but I do fly the flag by hanging it. How do I fly a flag at 1/2 mast if I hang it and do not have a flag pole? I guess maybe I should get a flag pole.

Any suggestions? I would really appreciate it.

David

rdorman · #16 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 08:10 PM

You just send me one of those cars and I will take care of everything!
Rick

David Kirkham · #17 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 08:32 PM

Rick,

So, just how are we going to get you into one of our cars? AND how do I CORRECTLY fly my flag?

David

SPEEDEAMON · #18 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 08:55 PM

Gregg, good point. I too have lost lots of friends in Vietnam. And today, with our boys and girls dying everyday in Iraq for unconvincing reasons IMHO, we should fly the flag at half staff until at least we're outa there permanently.

David, I too do not have a mast but one of these cheapo two tiered poles that I have fastened to my garage. The pole is only one and a half the heighth of the flag so what to do? It also has this plastic Eagle. At least it is MADE IN USA.

G.R. · #19 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 09:16 PM

David
I couldn't find a thing re: lowering a fixed display flag to half-staff or how it would/should be displayed.

Speed,

You can still lower your flag to half-staff--nothing says you need a thirty foot pole for a flag staff--I have a similar flag staff and mount as you I just rigged it with line and two small sailing blocks so I could raise and lower it

4RE KLR · #20 (**permalink**) 09-10-2003, 09:36 PM

I do not have a flag pole either, however my (our great countries) flag hangs graciously over the door over the garage so all came see.

My question is when the flag hangs staight down do the stars go on the right side or the left side. I have seen it done both ways, I know one has to be correct but do not know which way is correct.

Gregg, we need answers man, and soon. Tomorrow is the day to do this right.

Fly the flag in rememberance of those who gave it all, and for those who continue to give, military AND civilian.

What a great place to call home.

GOD BLESS THE USA!