Nomenclature of the American Flag

DrillMasterHonor Guard, Instructional 1 Comment

Canton or Union (blue field) Fly (length) Fly End (the end that flaps in the wind and gets the most damage) Grommets (commonly brass-reinforced holes within the header for mounting the flag on an outdoor flag pole, usually there are 2, but some very large flags have a third grommet in the center) Header (a strong fabric for reinforcement of …

How to Fold the Fringed Flag

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It is a very common mistake to fold a fringed American flag in a triangle. Very common. But how is one to fold a fringed flag for storage?  Fold it in half lengthwise twice and then drape it over a coat hanger and hang it up. This method affords the least amount of wrinkles. Pictured at right is one of …

What is the meaning of the POW/MIA Image?

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The POW/MIA BraceletAn organization called VIVA (Voices in a Vital America) launched the first public awareness campaign for POW/MIAs. Although the issue was featured occasionally on the news and in magazines, no formal organization existed for POW/MIAs. VIVA was a not profit, non-political, student organization run on a volunteer basis in Los Angeles in the 1970s. Several college students, Carol …

American Flag in Center of 5-Man Color Team?

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This is another picture where I just have my palm smack my forehead in disbelief. This formation is not allowed for a military color team! This formation is allowed however, if the color forms and remains in a “V” formation with the American flag centered and in front. Yep, go to my Downloads page and start reading the military manuals. …

Host Nation Flags

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Does the host nation flag fly at half-staff/mast with the American flag? No. Not always. For September 11, only America was attacked and only America flies it’s flag at half-staff. Other nations can authorize their flag at half-staff, it just depends. See here: http://drillmaster.wpengine.com/2012/07/16/the-american-flag-at-half-staff/. Picture courtesy www.maggiesnotebook.com

Special Report: US Flag Not Dipped During Parade of Nations

DrillMasterCommentary, DrillCenter News 2 Comments

That’s right, the American flag was not dipped to the “royal” box during the 2012 Olympics Parade of Nations in London, England. “Disrespect!” you say? Nonsense. Our Flag Code give us the guidance of not dipping the flag. Other countries are different and that’s fine. America not wiping the ground with Old Glory means we hold our flag in high esteem …

What to do When the American Flag Passes

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Stand. If in uniform, salute. That’s what everyone should do to pay respects to the only flag on the face of the earth that stands for liberty, personal liberty. Men and women have fought for this flag against tyranny for decades and that is why we should stand. However, in America you are free and have the freedom o sit …

Dipping the American Flag

DrillMasterCommentary, DrillCenter News, Honor Guard, Instructional 6 Comments

I read this short article that was sent to me by a retired Marine friend of mine: The 1908 Summer Olympics were held in London, England were extremely controversial. Many of the medals were won by Irish and Irish-American athletes who were not only members of the Irish American Athletic Club of Celtic Park in Sunnyside, Queens, but also members …