Friday, June 14, 2013

The Art of Manliness: How to fold a Flag

Do you know how to fold a Flag?

June 14th Flag Day

I’m writing this post today in regards to how to fold a flag to commemorate the adoption of the United States Flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. I hadn't folded a fly in awhile and decided to look up how to fold it. The Art of Manliness website was one that offered entertaining instructions on this and other bygone year’s daily routines; like how to tie a bow tie, give a manly handshake, and other manly skills.

My reason for folding the flag came when the manager of our complex asked me do I know where to take flags that are tattered and needed to be retired. I answered in the affirmative. He then proceeded to give me five flags rolled up in a ball with disregards to the respect and honor they deserved. I did not refuse them because I felt I needed to provide tender loving care and return them to some semblance of glory before turning them over to the Catholic War Veterans for a proper disposal. There are other organizations that also provide this service; local Boy Scout Troops, American Legion and Camps of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

In today’s busy world, so many forget how to provide the daily courtesies once thought of as common practice. Technology advances have isolated us as much as they have helped us in our genealogy research. Schools funding sometimes leads to eliminating what they consider fluff classes like sewing, cooking- the homemaking skills. 

My goal is to continue teaching those skills even if it is through the technology that isolates us. I know my family goes to their computer, smart phone, or I-Pad using Google, Bing or whatever search engine they have to find the information they need. I blog with compassion of saving all that is our heritage: daily skills, ancestors and their history.

The Art of Manliness is not gone just a little forgotten until we take a moment to remind our loved about those skills. I hope you enjoy reading the Flag Ceremony as presented in the following PDF link.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Copyright 2013 June Stearns Butka. All rights reserved.