201 US Flags Burned and Decommissioned in Hickory, North Carolina

A total of 201 US Flags were respectfully decommissioned and then burned at the St Stephens High School in Hickory, North Carolina on Saturday 7th May.

The old, tattered and worn flags were decommissioned in a ceremony, overseen by US War Veterans.

The ceremony started at 7PM when 63 motorbikes made their way around the outside of the stadium. “Tonight we honor the flag the way it should be honored – in a dignified ceremony,” said Scoutmaster of Troop 284 Dwight Byrd.

Rodney Bobak, from the Order of the Arrow, explained the procedure:

“We decommission what used to be flags while wearing white gloves as a final show of respect,” he said. “We do not burn the American flag – the Iranians do that. We burn what used to be American flags.”

For more information, see: http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/may/07/flags-decommissioned-and-honored-ar-1013939/

The US Flag, are delirious celebrations wise ref death of Osama Bin Laden?

The US Flag has been at the centre of delirious celebrations in the USA this week following the death of Osama Bin Laden by US Forces in Pakistan.

The US population has come out in force, buying the US Flag and also draping it from houses/offices, many stores have sold out of the US Flag entirely. Crowds have been heard chanting "USA, USA, USA".

Whilst understandable given the 911 attacks and other terrorist attacks that Osama lead Al Qaeda to undertake is this wise? I know the US has a fairly gung-ho attitude, but surely the death of Osama would have been better handled with compassion and humility, rather than scenes of out and out fervour?

I'm sure the vast majority are delighted that the Architect of the 911 attacks has finally been brought to justice, but surely some of the recent scenes will just fuel future attacks? I can see some of the scenes being used as Al Qaeda training materials TBH.

Anyway, that's my take. If you have a view please leave a comment and let's all pray that the US Forces and Embassies around the world are protected and remain vigilent.

It's interesting once again to see, that flags are at the centre of world news!

Links about rising flag sales
http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/may/04/flag-sales-rise-after-death-of-bin-laden/
http://www.wrdw.com/homeandfamily/headlines/US_flag_sales_rise_following_bin_Laden_mission_121157509.html

Harold "Sparky" Songer Flies US (American Flag) Upside Down as a Distress Signal

In news from Danville, Eastern Illinois a Veteran has deliberately decided to fly the American Flag upside down, but insists he isn't meaning to upset anyone. The http://www.news-gazette.com reports that Songer has chosen to fly the US Flag outside the Vermilion County War Museum in Danville as a distress signal.

Songer believes that the government in Washington, DC are not showing appropriate support for the nation's military. Songer now 86 said "Those in the service are already having trouble keeping their families together, they're gone through so much, and the number of suicides is a disgrace, and some have lost their homes and can't find jobs when they do come home." 


Songer is Director of the Vermilion County War Museum and is a veteran of three wars. Commenting Songer said " "I'd just had enough, so I stopped talking about it and did it."


In US Military tradition the US Flag is flown upside down as a sign of distress. Songer believes there is a distress situation now and said ""Things are such a mess in Washington. The whole country is in extreme distress." 


The upside down flag has received numerous complaints from other veterans and members of the general public alike.

The Former Soviet Union flag flies high in the heart of Syracuse, New York

Your News Now, New York reports an unusual story in that the former Soviet Union Flag was found flying high over a building in Syracuse, New York.

The flag is seen flying at half-staff, but it's a mystery how it got there. The property manager confirmed that usually a US flag  is flying there but somebody removed it and replaced it with the Soviet Flag instead. The Soviet Flag has since been removed and an investigation has been launched as to what exactly happened.

See the full story at: http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/539677/former-soviet-flag-flying-in-syracuse/

US Flag Removed from Bakersfield Fire Department Uniforms

In a shocking move to many, the Bakersfield Fire Department, California have decided to remove the USA Flag logo from there uniforms. A spokesperson for the department said "It's not about patriotism, it's about consistency and uniform". Personally I thought having the flag logo on a uniform was all about patriotism, or maybe i'm just old fashioned.


A video about this subject can be viewed at this link - http://www.breitbart.tv/fire-dept-removes-american-flag-from-uniforms-against-firefighters-wishes/ It mnust be emphasised that the change of policy is against the fire personnel wishes, this is a management decision.

The move has spawned furious discussion on the United States First Responders Association Forum - view the thread at http://www.usfra.org/forum/topics/fire-dept-removes-american?commentId=916090%3AComment%3A109421#axzz1IjcpVyYF

It's sad for me to see, little signs of patriotism such as this one by one disappearing. I hope the decision can be reversed and the fire officers can display their flag logo with pride.

If you have any thoughts about this, please leave your comment below, i'd love to see what you have to say on the subject.