Last week, I attended the dedication of the Duval County Courthouse time capsule that included a flag ceremony at the start of the program.
We’ve all been there many times.
Community events, dedications, football games, civic club meetings and other gatherings where the U.S. flag is presented, often with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.
At this particular event, the people who attended seemed to be patriotic and educated adults. But as always happens, so many people seemed befuddled about the proper protocol for showing respect to the flag.
I noticed a variety of positions and movement by several as they clumsily altered their position as they glanced around to find someone they trusted would know what to do.
It’s something that has bothered me but only at that moment and then I move on, so I thought I would try to shed some light on the confusion.
But first, why is there so much confusion?
After all, this is something we are taught as children in kindergarten and reinforced throughout our lives.
Flag protocol is certainly something that has been drilled into military veterans.
I once asked Dan Bean, a retired Naval officer and former president of The Jacksonville Bar Association, about the protocols. That prompted a great letter from Bean outlining the origins, as well as the dos and don’ts.
“We play our National Anthem at the commencement of significant events, like a Jaguars’ game, for multiple reasons but to me, the most important reason is to recognize and honor both the military and civilian Americans and non-American citizens, that have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to give us the ability to gather together and enjoy not only this game but also our individual liberties and freedoms.
“To me, our National Anthem is the audible symbol of the United States of America and when played, it represents the sound of true freedom and independence throughout the world.
“One of our Nation’s strongest characteristics and that is: Americans, and those that believe in freedom and independence, never quit. The Star Spangled Banner became our National Anthem in 1931 but as everyone knows it was written by Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry in 1814.
“His poem was eventually set to the tune of a popular British song and renamed The Star Spangled Banner. ‘Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there’ is my favorite line of the first of four stanzas as it reminds me that Americans never quit and always find a way to fight on. And it is not just about the War of 1812 — it is as relevant today — reflect upon the civilians on United Airlines Flight 93 who never quit, and made the ultimate sacrifice in order to save others just like millions of others have done in our Nation’s history.
“When the National Anthem is played, all present should stand at attention in the direction of the United States Flag, with their right hand over their heart. It is also appropriate that men not in uniform should remove their hats and place it under their left shoulder while their right hand is over their heart.
“If a United States Flag is not visible, all present should face toward the music and act in the same aforementioned manner as if the United States Flag were visible. Military personnel in uniform should commence their salute at the first note of the National Anthem and hold it until the last note.
“Title 36, United States Code, Section 301 is the legal reference.”
In most cases, as with Bean, if you cannot carry a tune, mouthing the lyrics is preferable.
About the only other thing to remember is that you begin showing respect as soon as the pledge and anthem begin and continue until finished.
If a flag is being lowered or raised, you start at the beginning and conclude at the end.
If you’re at a parade and the flag passes by, you salute when the flag reaches you and hold it until the flag passes.
Doing nothing will never be correct, but no one will question you if you show respect, even if it doesn’t follow protocol.
Still no consensus candidate to take on Brown
Well, local politics continues to pick up, but still not at a pace many expected by now.
It seems finding a consensus candidate to topple Mayor Alvin Brown may be more difficult than anticipated.
The latest dropped shoe came last week when Jacksonville City Council member Bill Bishop caught folks by surprise with his pronouncement that he wants to be “that guy” and plans to take on Mayor Brown next spring.
Bishop follows the revelation a short time back by Property Appraiser Jim Overton that he intends to run in 2015. So far, Overton has not pulled the trigger by opening a campaign account and Bishop says he will when he returns from a trip to Korea.
Talked about in many circles are Lenny Curry, head of the Republican Party of Florida, and Bill Gulliford, president of the City Council, who opened his council account and is raising money to return to his seat representing the Beaches.
All four are Republicans.
In the meantime, rumored candidate Sheriff John Rutherford is keeping his head down.
People close to the mayor say he’s not really concerned with the names mentioned so far.
In the meantime, Brown continues to be all over the community in photo op after photo op, while trying to figure out how to resolve the challenges he’s facing, including pension reform, the gas tax extension and the upcoming city budget.
Will Bush run in 2016? He says he’s still deciding
Many members of the local Republican leadership are joining others around the state to keep a close watch on the comings and goings of former Gov. Jeb Bush.
Many are hoping Bush will eventually jump into the 2016 presidential campaign, an itch that Bush appears to be scratching more often these days.
Reports are rampant about the former governor’s busy travel schedule as he crisscrosses the country talking about education reform and the economy.
He’s also holding private meetings with big donors and has spent time campaigning for fellow Republican candidates.
As for Bush himself, he claims he is still making up his
mind.
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