Who cut the American flag into pieces and was honored for doing it?

           Rear Admiral Robert Peary, who left pieces of the flag scattered at the North Pole.

•  Is it ever appropriate to fly the flag upside down?

            Yes, but only in an emergency. It means "Help Me, I am in Trouble!"

•  Francis Scott Key wrote the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the back on an envelope. What is the source of the music for it?

            The music is from an old English drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven."

• The American flag first flew over a foreign fort in what country?

            Libya - over Fort Derne, on the shores of Tripoli.

 The American Flag means many things to many people.  To me, it is a symbol of freedom and constant reminder of the brave men and women who have changed the face of our flag one star at a time over the generations.  Betsy Ross, Francis Scott Keys, and the American Solider have all helped forge the idea of a dream that all Americans hold close to their heart.  Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Speech, many of us take for granted now.  Imagine yourself 250 years ago being allowed a format to express yourself like ActiveRain.  It never would have happened.  Thankful for my flag, yes I am!

Take a few quiet moments this weekend to remember the people from your past that have helped to make you what you are today.  Also remember the men and women who lost their lives in service to our county.  In a trip to Europe, I had the opportunity to visit the American Cemetery in Luxembourg.  I was awed by the continuous view of the white crosses, Medal of Honor recipients and the gravesite of General Patton. These were Americans that would never see the States again.  History comes alive in a graveyard...

If I remember correctly, General Patton was originally buried in California, but his wife felt he would want to be with his men and he was moved. 

The following are some useful tips and reminders about our flag.  I am flying my flag proudly on my house.  ARE YOU?

 Displaying the Flag Outdoors

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.

When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.
...The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
...No other flag ever should be placed above it.
...The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

Parading and Saluting the Flag

When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

The Salute

To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

Tips and equitte information was taken from The American Flag Store, US History.org and USFlag.org.   Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day!