Welcome to Homestead Sunday, where we share what we have learned, what we do on a regular basis, and what projects we are building, rebuilding or working on. Who are we? We are a three generation family living on six acres in South Eastern Texas.
And while we have only been in Texas a short time, we have had the homestead mentality and lifestyle for quite a few years. Starting out with our time living in Montana. And, although we are not experts in any way, I hope that what we share with you with this series is helpful, as well as inspirational for you and your own homestead journey. Or even with your own home and yard in the suburbs. Because to homestead is an much an action as it is a lifestyle.
I have been a part of flag flying, folding and now retiring for a few decades.
My original introduction to flag folding happened in Girl Scouts, I believe at the Brownie level. That flag was a lot for small hands to handle when it was brought down off the flagpole at the end of the school day. We each on our weekly meeting took turns helping lower the flag, and then fold it into the ceremonial triangle, before carrying it back into the school to present to the Ladies in the office.
I remember at age 13 when the U.S. Flag was presented to my Mother.
It was after my Dad's funeral, it too was folded in the same ceremonial triangle that I had been taught to do. A very somber moment that has stayed with me for all these years. Fast forward a few years and as a homeowner I flew a flag at my front door, as our drive way was actually an alley entrance. I learned that the American flag can be flown 24/7 if desired and should be retired when it is frayed and fatigued. And if possible a light to shine upon it when dark. Fortunately, our little road had neighborhood dusk to dawn lights.
Years later as an Administrator in Assisted Living, another flag played a significant roll in my day.
My residents decided at one of their Resident Council meetings that they would like to have an American flag standing in our community dining room, along with a Washington state flag. They raised the funds necessary, and made the purchase. My Son-in-Law was a Boy Scout Troop Leader at the time and his troop came to our building to present the colors to the Residents. They loved the ceremony of it all, as did I because I can still tear up when i hear our National Anthem and see our American flag in parades.
When we lived in Montana I requested a new American flag for Christmas.
It had been awhile since I had a flag at my home, largely because we were on the road after retirement as NPS volunteers. But we would perch a small flag on the end of our caravan at each campsite where we were stationed. But once settled in Montana, it was time for a full sized flag to wave, once again, over my home. And that flag has waved in the breezes of Montana, then moved with us to Wyoming, and once again when we settled here in Texas. But after so much service, it was time to retire it. And today we completed that task.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Defense, while June 14th (National Flag Day) is a traditional day for flag retirement, you may dispose of a flag at any time, as long as the ceremony is respectful.
When using a fire to dispose/retire an American flag, do make sure that the fire is big enough to burn the flag completely.
Fold the flag in the ceremonial triangle before placing it upon the fire.
Observe the fire during the ceremony and extinguish properly once the flag has burned completely.
And from me, if you have not replaced your worn out flag, now is the perfect time to do so!
Thank you for stopping by for Homestead Sunday #4.
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Such an interesting post. My dad is involved with AJEX (The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women) and I have heard him talk of retiring flags, though in this case they are buried and not burnt. Also, why does it have to be folded into a triangle for burning?
ReplyDeleteLisa, burying is another retirement option for flags. Here in the U.S. when a flag is taken down from the flagpole, they are to be folded into this same triangle, referred to as a ceremonial triangle. It is a sign of respect and the way flags should be kept either on a shelf or in a box, until up put back up the flagpole. My flag needed to be refolded before being placed on the fire, as it had become unfolded in our move to Texas.
DeleteI never knew how flags were retired. Thank you for sharing and passing this information on!
ReplyDeleteBethany, you are welcome, thank you for stopping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteI found this so interesting to read. Living here in England flags are not a big thing until it comes to the football and we are in an international tournament.
ReplyDeleteKim thank you! I remember learning how t fold one, when I was about 7 and flag protocol has been important to me since then.
DeleteThis is so interesting! I knew about the triangle but I didn't know about the retire ceremony.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
Paula, thank you !
DeleteI too knew about the triangle but didn't know about the retirement ceremony either.
ReplyDeleteJoanne you can make it as detailed or simple as you wish. My Son in Law had a specific ceremony he would conduct with his scour troop, which I learned about as the fire burned down. But the key points are respect to the flag, the triangle. and making sure the flag burns completely. For a burying ceremony, the flag should be in a small box, and buried deep enough to not be dug up.
Delete