Anyone who works to establish clear standards—especially in a field that has grown informal, inconsistent, or myth-driven—will eventually encounter hostility. Not disagreement. Not thoughtful critique. Hostility.
Flag Spreaders and the Hidden Divide in US Military Doctrine
I wanted to explain the two types of doctrinal authority in the US military and use the flag spreader debate as a case study.
“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.
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.
When “Joint” Does Not Mean Authorized
Recently, Virginia elected a new Governor. The image at the top of the page was shared on the VA State Defense Force Facebook page. There are many things wrong and here is what I noted on social media based on this image
Ceremonial Mourning, Authority, and the Proper Use of Bunting
When a public official or community leader dies, the desire to honor them is immediate and sincere. For first responder agencies in particular, this instinct often manifests through visible symbols of mourning—flags, apparatus positioning, uniforms, and, increasingly, bunting.
The Proffer
It’s not short for “professor”, a proffer is one who stands by with awards or certificates and hands them to the presenter. In the U.S. Air Force and other branches that follow similar protocol the term for the individual who assists the presenter during a formal military award or retirement ceremony is called the Proffer. Their role. The following is …
“To All Who Shall See These Presents, Greeting:”
The phrase “To all who shall see these presents, greeting:” is a traditional legal and diplomatic statement that dates back centuries. In the context of military awards and commissions, it serves as a formal opening to a document of great importance. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning: Essentially, the phrase is a formal announcement to the world that the enclosed …
First Responders, the Pledge, Anthem, and Taps
It’s a grey area and I am writing this for clarification based on a message I received. What do first responders do when the Pledge of Allegiance or the Star-Spangled Banner are on the itinerary for a ceremony? Let’s go through this. The Situation The message: In lieu of the National Anthem, there was a collective recitation of the Pledge …
All About POW/MIA Flag Protocol
The POW/MIA flag is not authorized to be carried either in a color guard. Read on to find out why.
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