Large-scale flag displays at athletic events often generate the same recurring responses when standards are addressed.
“You Got Peanut Butter on my Chocolate!” and the POW/MIA Novelty Flag Argument
“You got chocolate in my peanut butter!” The old commercial for Reece’s Peanut Butter cups was about “it’s all how you look at it” and was fun.
The Merchant Marine Academy Battle Standard
Color guards are carefully structured ceremonial formations. Every flag within the formation represents a specific authority: the nation, the foreign nation, the state or territory, a military service, or the organization hosting the ceremony.
There Is No Such Thing as “Draping an Urn”
Not long ago, I received a comment attempting to justify a photograph of a folded flag partially unfolded and draped over an urn.
The Dignity of Dissent: When Logistics Overshadow Respect for Fallen Heroes
In the somber process of bringing home our fallen service members, every detail matters. The sight of a flag-draped casket signifies the highest honor a nation can bestow. However, a modern logistical trend is starting to violate the very protocols meant to protect that dignity: the practice of draping the interment flag over the shipping container holding the casket, rather …
Who Does Your Color Guard Represent?
This subject is one of the most common sources of confusion in Color Guard training, especially in scholastic and cadet programs. The root problem is that people treat flags as decoration, local pride, or a “nice touch,” when in reality every color carried in formation is a public statement of authority and representation.
Flag Protocol and Fallen Heroes—Why Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
In the somber process of bringing home our fallen servicemembers, every detail matters. The sight of a flag-draped casket signifies part of the highest honors a nation can bestow. However, a modern logistical trend is starting to undermine that dignity: the practice of draping the interment flag over the shipping container holding the casket, rather than the casket itself.
The Mission and Mistake of the DoDPAA
The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency does a meticulous job reflected in their mission statement: “Provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation.” An extraordinary mission. The Missions The Recovery Mission – Long before a team is selected to roam a foreign countryside and climb rocky terrain, government-to-government talks take place, locations …
Parading vs Presenting or Posting the Colors
There seems to be confusion on the announcements or commands to present and post the colors. Let’s iron that out.
Color Guards Overseas and the Foreign National Color
This information affects all bases overseas for all services. A Little History For decades the conventional wisdom has been that when we are overseas, we are told that when we are on US soil (the base, an American cemetery, etc.), the US is on the right and as soon as you step onto foreign soil (outside the gate), you have …