Half-staff, half-day

This year's Memorial Day Presidential Proclamation states, "I...request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control."

The U.S. flag is flown at half-staff only for the first half of the day, and then it is raised to full height from noon to sundown. Why only until noon? This custom honors the war dead for the morning and living veterans for the rest of the day (Live Science).

Patriotic gardening

I've seen (and posted) so many variations of flags lately, I couldn't resist adding this patriotic wheelbarrow. It adds a real splash of color to an otherwise dry and dusty (that is, drought-tolerant) scene.

Remembering

Today as I drove around Downey, I noticed flags flying on many, many doorways. So many people, today, are taking the opportunity to declare their remembrance of those whose lives were lost fifteen years ago on 9/11.

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”
~ President Obama

Stars and stripes

Many people display flags in their front yards. Some fly traditional flags from a flag pole. Others are more inventive, such as with this flag painted on a wooden pallet. Either way, the flags show support for the USA.

New uses for old things

I love reusing old things to create new things. Here is a "yard art" item I found while I was driving around a few weeks ago.

"We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity, representing our liberty."
~ George Washington, attributed

The setting sun effect

The setting sun turned these walls into a flamingo shade of pink. After I looked beyond that, I noticed the faded flag in the window, and lastly, the moon overhead.

Did you know that five of the six flags planted on the surface of the moon, beginning in 1969, are still standing? However, after 46 years in the harsh environment of the moon, the stars and stripes have long faded away.

150th anniversary

Today is the 150th anniversary of the death of President Abraham Lincoln. He was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, just after 10:00pm, but he lived until 7:22am the next morning, April 15, 1865.

Many government offices flew their flags at half-mast today in honor of President Lincoln. Most historians and the general public regard Lincoln as one of the top three presidents. (cited from Wikipedia)

Where's the flag?

This is the flagpole at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The pole has been flagless for a week now since one of the ropes broke.

I'm not sure if there is a professional flagpole repairman but they must be scarce here in Downey. It seems to me you just go to Home Depot and get 60 to 70 feet of rope and restring the pulley. They probably even have ropes that already have the hooks for the eyelets on the flags.

I just think it is important to fly the American and California flags at a government site.

What do you think?

Waving flags

These two porches face each other, suggesting that these two neighbors probably share their comings and goings. They also share the desire a display our country's flag.

"'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave..."

Remembering those who served

"On Memorial Day, we honor all those who have fallen by remembering their noble sacrifice for freedom. We also pray for our troops, their families, and for the peace we all seek."

This quote is taken from the program from today's Memorial Day Tribute at the Downey Cemetery. The ceremony was made more meaningful for me today after my visit earlier this month to the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach. The cemetery holds the graves of more than 9,000 American soldiers who gave their lives in the effort to free Europe in World War II.

The  Downey Cemetery isn't nearly as large, but the grave of each veteran is marked with a cross and a flag, and it's humbling to realize how many of those who are buried here have sacrificed to serve their country. Thank you to all who serve.

We will never forget

Visiting the Normandy American Cemetery was a sobering experience. Approaching the cemetery, all you see is row upon row of white marble crosses. The American Cemetery is the final resting place for 9,387 of our military dead.

Walking through the never-ending crosses, I noticed a ceremony at the flagpoles. I recognized the same baseball caps I had seen in Memorial Day celebrations on the heads of the old soldiers in Downey. The caps identify them as soldiers and where they fought and served.

This was a gathering of some of the D-Day soldiers who had survived and came back to honor their fallen comrades.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifice."
~ Harry S. Truman, President of the United States

Never forget!

Today is the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. As I was driving around town looking for some kind of memorial, I saw Jim Fuller on his bike. Jim remembered Sept. 11th, 2001.

I remember that morning. Watching the planes hit the World Trade Center building towers was surreal. It was shocking to watch, I struggled to comprehend what was happening. It was a day I don't think I will ever forget (and I watched from the relative comfort of my home).

The memorial in DC is open. Americans from all over the country can visit and honor the thousands of innocent men, women and children who lost their lives 11 years ago. Reading about the memorial made me think of President Lincoln's speech at Gettysburg after the devastating battle that settled the Civil War.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Weather "flag"

Weather vanes are both ornamental and functional since they can be used to show the direction of the wind,. Vanes are designed and balanced to point into the wind. So any observer could tell which way the wind was blowing.

In Medieval times, weather vanes designs were often derived from pennants or flags. In fact, according to Wikipedia, the word "vane" is the old English word for fane, meaning flag. 

To see examples of other local weather vanes click here. 

"Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." - Mark Twain

True colors

I noticed this flag on a house this morning and it got me to thinking about what it means to each of us. It's a symbol of freedom for all Americans. Displaying it demonstrates support for our nation and our troops. I was reminded that I have so many choices and so much freedom that I don't want to take for granted.

"And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me."
~Lee Greenwood

Another way to remember the fallen

The flags at Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), where I work, have been flown at half staff this week. I inquired as to the reason and learned several new things.

• First, LACOE will fly the flags at half staff only by order of the governor of California.
• Second, this occasion of flying the flags at half staff originated from a presidential proclamation in honor of the shooting victims in Wisconsin. 
• Third, the website halfstaff.org has the information regarding any national or state occasion of flying the flags at half staff.
• Fourth, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-staff has a great article detailing the history, current usage, proper procedures and symbolism of flying flags at half staff.

Yesterday I knew the general principle of flying a flag at half staff, but today I know why, and where to find to whom to pay honor.

by guest blogger Steve Mansell

Ready for Independence Day

Today is the eve of our Independence Day, July 4th.

According to History.com, the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Dinner, fast

Flag Day in the U. S. is coming up this week. But before we get to that day (and after a long and frustrating day at work), let me just express my appreciation for that other flag with the golden arches.

More than self

A couple of years ago, I saw an article about a Memorial Day tribute at the Downey Cemetery. I thought, aha! a good photo op for Downey Daily Photos.

Two years later, the annual Memorial Day Tribute has become a regular and meaningful part of my Memorial Day traditions.

Music is just one part of the Tribute ceremony. From the moving words of "America the Beautiful" (above, Jim Higuera, Commander of the American Legion Post 270, is mouthing the words along with singer Sheila Jacobs) to the haunting melody of "Taps," the music reminds us of those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms.

    O beautiful for heroes proved
    In liberating strife.
    Who more than self their country loved
    And mercy more than life!

More tomorrow...

Click here for pictures from previous years.

Fallen soldiers

The Downey Cemetery is filled with white crosses and flags today, marking the graves of the service men and women who are buried there.

As always, the grave markers say so little and yet so much. Tony Gomez was born at the end of one world war, and served in the next one. He died just two days before the Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany. Russell Mackay was a cook in World War I and made it home to live a full life.

Take a moment tomorrow to remember and be grateful to those who have served our country.

Red white and blue

More from yesterday's 9/11 program and concert at Furman Park.

The Downey Police and Fire
Honor Guard posted the flags.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Eric Rogers, home temporarily while recovering from injuries sustained while on duty in Iraq, led the flag salute.

Sheila Jacobs sang our National Anthem, joined by many in the crowd.

The concert featured the band "Yard Sale."

The music was enjoyed by young and old.