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.
