Bozho (Hello),
With all the CPN Veterans Organizations Color Guard events we perform in schools, special events and parades, one thing we notice is the number of people who attend these functions (old and young) who do not salute or stand when the flag is presented. I prefer to believe that is because they have not been taught or have forgotten how to show respect for our nation’s flag. I am going to try to inform you about proper U.S. flag etiquette.
The U.S. flag can be flown daily from sunrise to sunset, unless it is being displayed under a light at night. You can use a solar spotlight, which I use for my flag, or any means you may have.
When the flag is being raised or lowered, stand and salute, either with your right hand over your heart or with a military hand salute if you are a veteran. You can use
the hand salute whether you are wearing a hat or not.
When you are watching a parade and the flag is carried by, stand and salute as it passes. If the flag is brought in at a special function or assembly, you should stand and stand again when it is taken out.
When the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, stand and salute by holding your right hand over your heart or a veteran giving a hand salute (with or without wearing a hat).
Another pet peeve of mine is seeing a ragged or dirty flag flying high where everyone can see. When you see a flag in that condition, let the owner know it is dishonoring our country and what it stands for. There is a proper way to retire an American flag. Anyone can “retire” an American flag. You burn the flag and bury its ashes on the east side of a tree.
Every year at CPN’s Family Reunion Festival, the CPN Veterans Organization has a U.S. flag retirement ceremony, and everyone is welcome to attend and participate.
Flag retirement ceremony
We are gathered here to retire these flags that have been deemed no longer serviceable. It is proclaimed that each of these flags has served well.
These flags have inspired those who desired the taste of freedom and have represented hope to those oppressed by tyranny and terror. These flags have welcomed any and all in the name of liberty.
These flags serve as constant reminders to all of us that we live in a country where our freedom has been deeply purchased by blood, sweat, tears and the ultimate sacrifice. We must not forsake what those in service to this flag, and their families, have forfeited.
Please join me to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for
which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
I will now inspect these flags.
I have inspected these flags and deem them no longer serviceable. Proceed with the retirement.
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our ceremony. Thank you for your participation and may God bless America.
Migwetch, (Thank you),
Next month’s report will include the folding of the flag.
August’s CPN Veterans Organization’s monthly meeting will be on the fourth Tuesday, the 26, at 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there) in the CPN Cultural Heritage Center’s Veterans Memorial Hall. We hope to see all CPN veterans and their families there.
Daryl Talbot, Commander, 405-275-1054
Daniel Castaneda, Vice Commander/Event Contact, 209-207-2317
David Barrett, Treasurer, 405-613-7313
Bill Wano, Secretary, 405-670-1200