Fly Your Flag on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - December 7, 2008

Sixty seven years ago, in the early morning of December 7, 1941, our country was viciously and brutally attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy. At 6:00 a.m. six Japanese aircraft carriers launched a first wave of 181 aircraft. Achieving complete surprise, these aircraft bombed and strafed military installations and airfields all over the Hawaiian Islands, including the U.S. Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives, of which 1,177 of them were crewman of the USS Arizona. Our once divided country became united in resolve and purpose that has not been seen since.

Most of you reading this post probably were not alive at the time and only know about the attack from history books, documentaries, or sadly, the movies. One cannot truly fathom what is was like to be there on that fateful day. However, this Action Report from Ensign W.J. Bush, a Commanding Officer of the USS Arizona, vividly describes his experience and gives insight to the horror and pain thousands endured:

“At about two or three minutes before 0800 Sunday, I was asleep in my room when I faintly heard a siren. Shortly thereafter I distinctly heard G.Q. I put some clothes on and went up from lower wardroom country to the second deck. Lt. C.T. Janz was sending everyone in the vicinity to shelter below the armored deck. I went down with Lt. Janz and about forty enlisted men. Before we could close the hatch, there were three violent blasts with flame and powder fumes entering the compartment. I then told all personnel in the vicinity to get out and go topside to avoid the gas. About twenty (20) enlisted personnel and myself went topside. I saw the entire ship forward of #3 turret to be a raging fire. I asked Ensign Davison about fighting the fire and he told me there was no water in the fire main. Shortly thereafter, Ensign Davison and myself got three boats clear of the oil fire on the water and picked up the men in the water who had jumped to get clear of the fire. We took several boatloads of badly burned and injured men to Ford Island landing and continued picking up men in the water between the ship and the shore. I took one boat alongside the quarter of the Arizona and waited until everyone gathered on the stern had been taken off. Ensign Lenning, Ensign Miller and Lt. Comdr. Fuqua made sure no one could be rescued from the after end of the ship before they left. We then picked the men up out of the water and put everyone ashore at Ford Island landing. Lt. Comdr. Fuqua took one boat and left to search the water for injured men. After sending all injured men to the dispensary, we took the remainder to the air raid shelter below Admiral Bellinger's quarters. Ensign Davison assisted me in directing the rescue work even though he was badly burned himself.”

We should never forget what our brave men and women of WWII sacrificed for our country. Congress has designated December 7 as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day” and each year the President urges by proclamation all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half staff in honor of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor. To all who were at Pearl Harbor and other Hawaiian military installations that infamous day, we thank you for your valiant efforts and sacrifices.

Should it be illegal to desecrate the flag?

This is a question that has been around since the 1980's. Now, I know for all of you free speech purists out there that the US Supreme Court has already ruled on this issue by declaring flag burning/desecration protected speech under the US Constitution. However, the issue doesn't stop there. We the people have the ability to amend the Constitution to make flag desecration illegal. Should we?

Clearly, the prohibition of flag burning is meant to stifle a person's expression... an expression of dislike, anger or even hatred of the United States and/or its policies. That does counter our founders' intentions when enacting the Bill of Rights. Plus, the proper disposal of a flag is by burning it! I'm sure that any prohibition would provide an exception for flag disposal, which shines the spotlight even more on the real motives behind making it illegal.

However, so many men and women have died fighting for that flag and the ideals it represents. Can't we have one sacred symbol of this country that is so revered, so important that we all stand up and say "no, you can't desecrate it"?

Look, I understand the legal arguments behind the court's refusal to allow the prohibition of flag desecration, but I also understand the emotional arguments behind those that support such a ban. Sometimes emotions should prevail and I think this is one situation where they should.

Your thoughts?

Which material is best for my flag?

Flags are used for many different purposes by many different people. Some flags are used for outdoor display, others for memorial purposes, and still others for indoor display. Depending on its use, a flag can be made out of nylon, cotton, a polycotton blend, polyester, or a special kind of "spun" polyester.

Polycotton blend or polyester - these materials print very well and are attractive. Their best feature is economy, making them excellent for temporary use or where cost is an issue. However, flags made out of these materials will not last very long in outdoor use even in normal weather conditions which means you'll be buying more flags in the long run.

Cotton - a traditional and, to many, the most beautiful material. It has a natural feel and a pleasant "heft." However, like anything made of cotton, it is less durable and should therefore be used for decorative or ceremonial purposes. This essentially means that you should buy a cotton flag for indoor use only. If used indoors, a cotton flag will last a very long time and keep its natural beauty.

Nylon - the most durable and serviceable option. Nylon is durable, retains color well, flies in a breeze well, and is easily cleaned. Nylon flags are the most popular outdoor flags. Even the slightest breeze will make a nylon flag fly. This is a great option; however, if you live in a very windy area or an area with other harsh weather conditions, your best bet is "spun" polyester.

"Spun" polyester - a special, premium material that holds up well in windy or harsh conditions. Because it is spun, it has the feel of cotton, but its synthetic nature gives it the durability of nylon. While "spun" polyester flags last longer than nylon flags, keep in mind that due to the heavier material the flag will not fly as much in light breezes. Also, this material is slightly more expensive than nylon. You can't go wrong with either a nylon or "spun" polyester flag.

Remember to always treat a flag with common sense and respect, never fold it wet, regardless of material, and replace it whenever it reaches a condition not befitting the symbol of the country. Go to Shining Star Flags & Bandanas today to find just the right flag for you.

Fly Your Flag on Thanksgiving Day - November 27, 2008

On this Thanksgiving Day, as well as everyday, let us all be thankful for the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces. Let's thank them for keeping us safe, for promoting democracy and freedom around the world and for upholding the ideals we all believe in. Let's thank them for foregoing time with their families during the holiday season to do a job that most people cannot do, and sadly most wouldn't do. Let's thank their families for the sacrifices they make so their loved ones can do their job - their duty. To show our thanks, and to remember the sacrifices our forefathers endured to start this wonderful nation, we all should fly our flag on Thanksgiving Day.

To all our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Seamen, this video is for you. May God Bless You and Keep You Safe.

http://www.cpmsglife.org/tg/2006tdm1.html

Should American flags be made in the U.S.A.?

Have you ever wondered while driving down the road where that American flag you see flying so brilliantly in the slight breeze was made? I would guess most people think it was made right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. However, think again. Did you know that after the September 11th attacks imports of American flags jumped from $747,800 to $51.7 million? Over half of those imports came from China, whereas just a year before Chinese imports were negligible. So, in that period of wonderful unity, patriotism and love for this country, which was displayed by millions of Americans flying our flag, millions of dollars were flowing to a communist nation as well as other nations that don't necessarily agree with our way of life, freedoms and democratic values. This is a shame! Since then, Tennessee and Pennsylvania have enacted laws to require state agencies to purchase flags made in the U.S.A. Other states are proposing to do the same. Minnesota went so far as to prohibit the sale of any U.S. Flags that are not made in the U.S.A. A bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to prohibit importation of U.S. Flags for sale in the United States, but it got stuck in committee. Probably due to all of those trade agreements we have signed not allowing us to prohibit the sale of foreign goods in our country. When is America going to wake up, take a stand and say that one of our most cherished symbols should be made right here by American workers, with American fabric and shipped by American companies? Click Made in the U.S.A. to read the beliefs of Shining Star Flags & Bandanas as it relates to this matter. The next time you see an American flag, think to yourself “Did money go to China to fly that flag?” and then see how you feel. And the next time you go to purchase an American flag, if it is not clear that it was made in the U.S.A., don't buy it. Support our Country!

Fly Your Flag on Veteran's Day - November 11, 2008

Here's a little history on Veteran's Day: On November 11, 1918, World War I was ended by the implementation of an armistice between the Allied Forces and Germany, which was essentially a temporary cessation of hostilities until the Versailles Peace Treaty could be signed. On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations….” Each year thereafter the President declared Armistice Day by proclamation. However, on May 13, 1938, Congress passed legislation making Armistice Day a legal Federal holiday and designated November 11 as the date of celebration. Finally, on June 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of Armistice Day to Veteran's Day. Since WWI many wars have been fought and many men and women have died in service of our country – fighting for the ideals of freedom and democracy. We are urged to fly our flag on this day to honor all who have served. For without these fine men and women, we would not be the great country we are today.

Please Remember to Vote!

Today is one of the most important days in recent history. The American people are going to elect a new President of the United States. We are in perilous times. We are still highly vulnerable to terrorist attacks, we are fighting two wars and our economy is on the brink of a full-scale recession. The choice we make today could very well affect our long term future, not to mention the future of our children and grandchildren. I can only hope that you have educated yourselves on the issues and the candidate's positions and are voting for what's best for this wonderful country. Regardless of who wins the White House today, this country is still the best country in the world and we should all stand up and be proud.