:: A Nation's Strength ::  

“What makes a nation’s pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it might to defy
The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, the bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly—
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day, established first to honor those who fought in the Civil War, and then expanded after World War I to include those who have fought in all American wars. We have multiple opportunities throughout the year to remember those who have fought for our protection, our freedom, and our families, but Memorial Day offers us a dedicated day to come together as a nation and remember publicly those who have fought and died in service to our nation.

Although the setting changes and our challenges may be different, one thing that remains constant throughout our history is the willingness of brave men and women to serve courageously in the face of conflict. From the rolling grassland of Gettysburg, to the beaches of Normandy, to the jungles of Vietnam, to the deserts of the Middle East, there are stories of physical hardship, camaraderie, sacrifice, surrender, peace, bravery, loyalty and pain.

Each veteran has his or her own unique story, built not out of a formal history book, but out of a rich trove of personal experience and memories. Just as Ralph Waldo Emerson so eloquently describes in his poem, our strength as a nation is not found in monuments, mountains, documents, or other tangible things—it is found in the unwavering belief of men and women in their country. Although Memorial Day affords us a day of rest and a day to enjoy one another’s company through neighborhood cookouts, community events, and family vacations, we hope you will join in paying tribute to those who have maintained our nation’s strength: Brave men who work while others sleep, who dare while others fly—they build a nation’s pillars deep and lift them to the sky.

:: Flag Etiquette ::  

In June of 1777, the Continental Congress established an official flag for our newly founded nation. Today, nearly 230 years later, our flag continues to stand as a symbol of freedom, valor, and hope. Constituents often ask me about the proper treatment of such an important symbol to our nation. The following questions and answers regarding the United States Flag Code will help you in following proper flag etiquette.

What is the proper of time of day to fly the flag?
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly

illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Should I take the flag down during a rain storm?
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

When should the flag be displayed?
The flag should be displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days and in or near every schoolhouse during school days.

What is the proper way to display the flag?
The flag should never be displayed with union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. When displayed against a wall or a window, the blue field should be uppermost and to the left of the observer.

Where should my flag be mounted in relation to the front of my house?
The flag should be displayed in a position of prominence. This usually means to left or right of the front door, or at the center of the house. If you are flying two flags, however, the American flag should always be positioned to the left of the other flag as the viewer approaches the house.

Should I destroy the flag if it touches the ground?
No. The flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor should the flag ever touch anything beneath it. However, if your flag does touch the ground, you should immediately correct the situation and clean the flag with a mild soap solution if it has been dirtied.

My flag is really old and is ready to be retired. How should I dispose of it properly?
The Flag Code states that when the condition of a flag is no longer fitting for display that it should be disposed of in the most dignified way possible. Your local VFW chapter, the American Legion, and some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops offer services to help you properly dispose of your flag.

For more flag etiquette tips or if you would like to purchase a flag flown over the United States Capitol, please visit my website at http://randyforbes.house.gov.