Entry bubble Why We Put the Flag at Half-Staff

By: Jess | November 12, 2009 | Category: General

American FlagDriving around town this week you may have noticed that flags were flown at half-staff, a message from President Obama to honor the soldiers who were killed in the shootings at Fort Hood.

When I was growing up, I learned that flags were flown at half-staff in the wake of a tragedy or a period of mourning in the country. So whenever, I see the flags at half-staff, I always try to figure out what happened. I never realized there were certain protocols that governed flying the flag.

When a flag is flown at half-staff it is usually a directive given by the President for how the executive branch will fly the flag. However, it's not a mandate and no one is forced to fly the flag a certain way just because the President is. Local communities, schools and agencies can decide for themselves if they will fly their flags at half-staff to recognize the death of an employee or student.

These are three of the more interesting facts I found about flying a flag at half-staff:
  • On Memorial Day, the flag is at half-staff until noon and then raised to the top of the pole until sunset.
  • Flags are flown at half-staff for 30 days after the death of the president or former president.
  • When flying a flag at half-staff, it should be raised to the top of the staff and then lowered to half-staff.

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Entry bubble A Night of Music and Celebration

By: Joanne | January 20, 2009 | Category: General

Cantigas singing at Inaugural Ball at the Organization of American StatesLast night my colleague Laura Godfrey, a Bilingual Web Content Manager for GobiernoUSA.gov, attended the Latino Inaugural Ball. Here's her report...

The Organization of American States (OAS) is used to opening the doors of its magnificent building to dignitaries and celebrities. But last night was a first. The OAS hosted The 2009 Latino Inaugural Celebration to honor grass roots organizations that worked tirelessly to encourage Hispanics to exercise their civil right to vote. And vote they did, 10 million of them. For me, last night was also a first, I was there for two very important reasons: to sing with Cantigas, my choir, during the opening reception; and to cover the event for GobiernoUSA/USA.gov. It was also the first Presidential Inaugural Gala I attended in my life. What a rush!

I didn’t have to brave the cold weather, or long lines at the Metro, instead, several members of Cantigas carpooled and got to park at the OAS. That was a definite plus.  Inside, as people arrived I could see the excitement and the celebratory spirit of the group as I scrambled to take some pictures before we went on stage. After the opening reception around the majestic fountain of the lobby we were moved upstairs for speeches and entertainment. The MCs were Univision anchor and host of “Aquí y Ahora” Teresa Rodriguez, and radio El Zol host of “Pedro Biaggi en la mañana” Pedro Blaggi. Don Francisco and Gerardo Rivera were also on hand to talk to attendees and pose for pictures, but did not deliver any speeches.

Henry Cisneros, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Clinton, was loudly cheered and applauded when he took the stage. He was there to thank the work of so many volunteers that delivered the record number of Hispanic votes. The crowd chanted: Sí, podemos and Sí al cambio (Yes, we can; and Yes to change).

As the event went on, I had one recurring thought: Unity. A short but very powerful word. What an amazing feeling to see people from so many different countries and backgrounds (not all were Hispanics) come together for a common purpose.

But the account of the evening would not be complete without some very important facts. The official drink of the Gala was “PiscObama” (derived from the famous Peruvian drink Pisco Sour). A young Obama made an appearance and I took a picture with him (well, he is not really Obama, but take a look). And yes, my feet hurt to the point of numbness.  But was it worth it? You bet!!!

I've posted my video of the event on YouTube.

Barack Obama look alike with Laura and a friend at the Organization of American States Inaugural Ball

| View Comments [0] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: american   biden   cantigas   inaugural   joanne   laura   oas   obama   organization   president   states  

 

Entry bubble March Madness

By: Colleen | March 19, 2008 | Category: Fun

bballFill in your brackets and gather 'round your office water cooler—the madness has arrived!

It's the time of year when loyalty to one's school runs especially deep, and bitterness lingers long after your team is eliminated. It is simultaneously one of the most unifying, yet dividing events of the year.

While nothing is more satisfying than seeing your favorite team move on to the next round (or winning the Big East championship) there are an amazing few minutes right before tip-off when everyone is on the same team and rivalry is forgotten.

Just after each team is announced the whole crowd stands as one and sings the National Anthem. Singing the "Star Spangled Banner" can be an emotional moment as it reminds Americans of their great country.

A memorable instance for me was the first PITT football game after 9/11. An American Flag covering the entire field was brought out as the sold-out Heinz Field all stood and sang with one voice. We lost that game, but it still remains one of my fondest college memories.

While we may be rooting for one of 65 teams as the Big Dance starts up tomorrow, there are always those few moments pre-game, that we're all on the same squad.

Who is in YOUR final 4?

| View Comments [6] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: american   anthem   basketball   flag   madness   march   national   team  

 

Entry bubble Exploring Pocahontas and Native American History Month

By: Jake | November 12, 2007 | Category: Home and Family

November marks American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month. In existence since 1990, the goal is to recognize the intertribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art, and traditions of the American Indian and Alaska Native people.

The legend of Pocahontas saving Captain John Smith from execution, to me, is one of the most fascinating stories of all time. I think this is because a) I grew up in the Tidewater Virginia area near the site of the Citie of Henricus where Pocahontas met John Rolfe, whom she would eventually marry and b) I find the mystery of what actually happened interesting.

The legend is based on Smith's version of the story, which he recounted back in Great Britain years after the incident. He said that Chief Powhatan's tribe was about to execute him when Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, ran in and cradled his head to protect him. Powhatan stopped the execution and the rest is history. While some historians think Smith's story is legit, some assert that what Smith witnessed was a ritual.

Most interesting to me is how some Native American tribes beg to differ. In 1995 an animated version of the Pocahontas legend was released and it motivated the Powhatan Renape Nation to give their take on the legend. The Powhatan Renape Nation says the rescue never happened, and that Smith's earlier accounts of his peaceful stay with the Powhatan Nation contradict his later accounts. They believe that Smith, who was broke later in life, made up the story afterwards to promote himself.

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: american   americans   culture   history   indians   native   pocahontas