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 Flag Day and Father's Day, A Busy Weekend

By: Nicole | June 13, 2008 | Category: General

Wow, we have a lot to celebrate this weekend. Saturday, June 14, is Flag Day. And of course, Sunday, June 15, is Father's Day.

U.S. FlagFlag Day recognizes the day in 1777 when a Congressional resolution officially adopted our beloved stars and stripes as the U.S flag. However, celebration of this day didn’t begin until nearly a century later. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are at least three different claims for the origin of Flag Day. Some believe the tradition began in predominantly immigrant communities in Hartford, CT; others say it originated in a school in New York; still others say the Colonial Dames in Philadelphia are responsible. Pennsylvania does hold the honor of being the only state that recognizes Flag Day as a legal holiday. If you want to know more about our flag, check out our publication on the subject.

The origin of Father’s Day is a little more straight forward. Sonora Dodd proposed the idea of Father’s Day to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised Sonora and her five siblings after his wife passed away. Father’s Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910 and was made a permanent holiday in 1972. Since then, Father’s Day has become a time to recognize the many different father figures in our lives.

Family Cook-OutFor my family, that will mean a good ole fashioned cook-out, topped off by a rich slice of white chocolate-raspberry cheesecake. What are your Father’s Day customs?




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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