Class of 2006 dismissed - RAF Lakenheath

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The pride behind the colors
By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel
48th Fighter Wing Commander
With the World Cup in full swing right outside our gates, we’ve
seen England’s St. George’s red and white flag flown with pride on
cars, in store windows and in our neighborhoods. With England’s
win on Saturday and the USA’s defeat Monday, there’s been plenty
of country pride and patriotism to revel in with friends and neighbors.
The spirit of a country’s people coming together and flying the
colors of their nation—whether for a sporting event, an election, a
tragedy or a historical anniversary—inspires patriotism in other
nations and people, including pride in our own U.S. flag, Old
Glory.
Many of you may not know that Wednesday, in addition to the
World Cup Germany vs. Poland game, was also the anniversary of the
U.S. flag. Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14, is our chance to
reflect on what Old Glory means to each of us, remember why we
serve her, and recall the proper etiquette to show the flag we proudly
fly in front of our homes, on our U.S. military aircraft and in our hearts.
Although the Fourth of July is traditionally celebrated as America’s
birthday, the idea of an annual day to celebrate the Stars and Stripes
first originated in 1885 by a Wisconsin school teacher. The teacher’s
patriotism and desire to honor the anniversary of the Flag Resolution
of 1777 grew each year as the teacher continued to enthusiastically
advocate the observance of “Flag Birthday” or Flag Day on June 14.
On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a
Flag Day celebration, and celebrations continued each year, with many
public organizations and institutions celebrating the flag’s birthday
annually. Inspired by state and local celebrations, Flag Day was
declared by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. However,
not until August 3, 1949, did President Truman sign an Act of
Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day.
In honor of Old Glory’s birthday, I wanted to take this opportunity
to review flag etiquette, especially as the summer months and holidays
draw more flags out to fly.
So, as we continue to enjoy watching World Cup football games
over the coming weekend, take a minute to notice the pride and patriotism
of all nations in their people and their nation’s flag. Then take a
look at the red, white and blue stars and stripes that you serve for and
are a citizen of, and honor our flag appropriately.
Inside the story
Flag etiquette
The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal
The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure or drawing of any kind placed on it or attached to it
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms.
To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the U.S., it
should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner
When in uniform, salute the flag when it is six paces from you and hold the salute until the flag has passed six paces beyond
When in uniform, salute the flag at the first note of the National Anthem and hold the salute until the last note is played
When in civilian attire, remove hats and hold at your left shoulder with hand over heart; If you’re not wearing a hat, place your right
hand, palm open, over your heart
When in athletic clothing or physical fitness gear, face the flag or music, remove your hat or cap and stand at attention; a hand salute
is not given
Never use the flag as a decoration
ACTION LINE
The Action Line is your direct link to me for complaints, suggestions or comments. It’s not intended to replace the chain of command.
When normal command agency channels haven’t been able to resolve your concerns, call 226-2324, fax 226-5637, e-mail
(Action.Line@lakenheath.af.mil), send through distribution (48 FW/PA), mail (48FW/PA, Unit 5210 Box 215 APO AE 09461-
0215) or hand carry your Action Line to the public affairs office (Building 1085). You may remain anonymous; however, to receive
a reply, please leave your name, unit, duty or home phone number and full APO mailing address. Names are confidential.
PAGE 4 JET 48 MAGAZINE
JUNE 16, 2006