Friday Flag Day 🇺🇸

Annual flag display in Hudson, NH, from Memorial Day to Independence Day

The usual Friday Funnies have been given today off to commemorate Flag Day, today, June 14. It's not a national holiday and government offices like courthouses and United States Post Offices are open as are public offices and schools. While many Americans may be unaware of this day, others will have flags on display.

The U.S. flag that often is referred to as the Stars and Stripes was adopted on June 14, 1777 by the Continental Congress as the official American flag during the Revolutionary War. Until that time, Colonial troops fought under different flags with various symbols including rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles with slogans like "Don’t Tread on Me," "Liberty or Death" and "Conquer or Die" to name some.

The Flag Resolution of 1777 stated: "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."

Interestingly, it wasn't an American who labelled the U.S. as the Stars and Stripes. That credit was given to a French nobleman and military officer, the marquis de Lafayette, who volunteered his aid to the Continental Army led by General George Washington.

Did you know that . . .

There's an entire vocabulary of terms associated with flags?

Vexillology is the study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags or, by extension, any interest in flags in general. Someone who studies flags is a vexillologist, one who designs flags is a vexillographer, and the art of designing flags is called vexillography. A hobbyist or general admirer of flags is known as a vexillophile.

Dr. Whitney Smith

That terminology is due to a New Englander fascinated by flags from his childhood. The term, vexillology, was coined by a Massachusetts teenager in 1957. Whitney Smith, Jr combined the Latin word vexillum (a kind of square flag that was carried by Roman cavalry) with the Greek suffix logia (the study of) and coined vexillology. In 1961, he co-wrote The Flag Bulletin, the world's first journal about flags. The following year, he established The Flag Research Center at his home serving as its director.

Dr. Smith, a Harvard graduate, who later taught political science at Boston University, credited his interest in flags to youthful memories of Massachusetts Patriots' Day celebrations (unique to his home state). Later, turning his childhood passion with flags into a scholarly discipline. Dr. Smith became the preeminent scholar on the history, symbolism, and significance of flags amassing newspaper articles, flag-related publications and flags. Over time, this collection of documents and tens of thousands of books, pamphlets, engravings, electronic files, and flag-related artifacts was the largest in the world. 

Dr Smith died in 1976 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. The Whitney Smith Flag Research Center Collection is now housed at The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas at Austin. It is now the world’s oldest institution dedicated to interdisciplinary research initiatives on all aspects of flags, flag histories and flag usage.

When asked why flags should be taken seriously, Dr. Smith’s standard reply was: "People kill for flags. People die for flags. It is incumbent on us to try to understand how a piece of cloth can incarnate that power."

So, today on Flag Day in memory of a New Englander who felt so strongly about all flags, this post has many facts that apply specifically to the U.S. flag.

Street art mural in Nashua, NH

The U.S. Flag Code

On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution amended in December 1942, that has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code, a federal law that sets forth guidelines for the appearance and display of the U.S. flag by private citizens. These guidelines specify times and conditions for display of the flag, manners and methods of display, and buildings where such display should occur.

What's seen as the most important guideline involves how U.S. citizens should behave around the flag. For example, members of the armed services and veterans are asked to stand at attention and salute when the flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered; civilians should place their right hand over their hearts.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, like the ground, floor, water or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. It should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery, too often it has been used for these purposes.

Violating the flag code isn't illegal even though the U.S. Flag Code is a federal law. Guidelines are only stated within the voluntary and non-binding language such as, "should" and "custom," meaning there is no penalty for violating any of its provisions.

General Guidelines for Displaying the Flag

• When the flag is hung vertically on a wall, window, or door, the union (blue section) should be to the observer’s left. When the flag is hung horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union should be to the observer’s left.
• In a procession, the American flag should be to the right (the flag’s own right) of any other flag or, if in a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
• When displayed from a staff from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff.
• When the flag is displayed otherwise than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out; or so suspended that its folds fall as freely as though the flag were staffed.
• When displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
• On a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union uppermost and to the observer’s left.
• When displayed from a staff in a church or auditorium, the flag should occupy the position of honor and be placed at the speaker’s right as he/she faces the audience.
• When the flag covers a casket, the union should be at the head and over the left shoulder.

When to Display the Flag

As a symbol of respect, honor, and patriotism, the flag can be displayed any day of the year according to the following guidelines. The custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs in the open; however, if illuminated, it can be displayed at night. It should not be displayed in inclement weather. The flag should be displayed every day, especially:

• New Year’s Day, January 1; Inauguration Day; Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday
• Lincoln and Washington's birthdays; National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29
• Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Sunday; Mother’s Day and Father's Day
• Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
• Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4
• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27
• Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day, second Monday in October
• Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11
• Birthdays of states (date of admission); state holidays
• Other days as proclaimed by the President of the United States

Also, the flag should be displayed at every public institution, in or near every polling place on election days, and at schoolhouses during school days.

“America’s Tall Ship” the USCGC Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes 

Displaying the U.S. Flag Alongside Other Flags

• In the U.S., no other flag should be placed above the American flag or, if placed on the same level, to the right of the American flag.
• The United Nations flag may not be displayed above or in a position of superior prominence to the U.S. flag, except at the United Nations Headquarters.
• The flag, when displayed with another against a wall should be on the right (the flag’s own right), and its staff should be in front of the other staff.
• The American flag should be at the center and the highest point when displayed with a group of state flags.
• When flags of states, cities, etc., are flown on the same halyard, the American flag should be at its peak.
• When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the American flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.

Some U.S. Flag No-Nos

• The flag should not be dipped to anyone, including government officials or the President.
• The flag should never be displayed with union (stars) down, unless as a signal of dire distress.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it: the ground, floor, water or merchandise.
• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
• The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
• The flag should never have anything placed on it.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes or used as any portion of a costume.

How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag

• If the U.S. flag does touch the ground, it does not need to be disposed of (this is a myth) just ensure the flag is washed or dry-cleaned.
• When the flag is in torn or in a condition no longer fitting its status, it should be destroyed in a dignified and ceremonious fashion, preferably by burning.
• Most American Legion posts will conduct an annual ceremony, often on Flag Day to retire old or worn flags. Contact your local chapter if unable to dispose of the flag yourself. Boy Scout or Girl Scout groups also might have information about retiring a flag.

Admittedly, I didn't know a lot about flag etiquette (very little) before doing this post. Even though I am not a native of New England, it was that connection with Dr. Smith that led to this post. 

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Happy Father's Day to fathers stepfather, grandfathers and others

and in memory of our fathers as well

'Tis the Season

Not only for holiday cheer, good will and shopping, but definitely for Scammers too. This Scam Alert came from the Social Security Administration in my email this week. I felt it was worth sharing to prevent anyone being bamboozled by these completely worthless individuals (and that's exactly how I really feel, my friends). 

(For those unfamiliar with the SSA, it's an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability and survivor benefits.)

Since these (or similar) scams could inadvertently affect unsuspecting folks, information in this post was re-created as closely as possible with text formatting from the original email. (This advice can be applied to calls from other institutions like credit cards or banks. When dubious, never share any personal information, instead check with the institution yourself. )

SCAM ALERT

The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action.

 If you receive a call, text, or email that...

• Threatens to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your Social Security number
• Warns of arrest of legal action
• Demands or requests immediate payment
• Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency, or by mailing cash
• Pressures you for personal information
• Requests secrecy
• Threatens to seize your bank account
• Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
• Tries to gain your trust by providing fake "documentation," false "evidence," or the name of a real government official

. . . it is a SCAM!

Do not give scammers money or personal information – Ignore Them!

Protect yourself and others from Social Security-related scams

• Try to stay calm. Do not provide anyone with money or personal information when you feel pressured, threatened, or scared.
• Hang up or ignore it. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents.
• Report Social Security-related scams. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email that mentions Social Security, ignore it and report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
• Do not be embarrassed if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss.
• Get up-to-date information. Follow SSA OIG on Twitter @TheSSAOIG and Facebook @SSA Office of the Inspector General for the latest information on Social Security-related scams. Visit the Federal Trade Commission for information on other government scams.
• Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit oig.ssa.gov/scam for more information. 
• Please also share with your friends and family — Report a Scam.

It's also worth mentioning that spammers abound not only this time of year, but all the time. Recently, I've received comments from one using the name, Ratana. These comments are always vague with wording like interesting post . . . There's always a link to another website some for online gambling. This spammer has left similar comments on other blogs. My advice and, what I'm doing, is never acknowledge the comment, never click on a links, delete  it immediately — if anyone has experience on how to permanently block, please share. 

Of course, I don't expect that this spammer or others will actually be reading this post, but to paraphrase from a famous movie: we have a failure to communicate and the deletions will continue as long as necessary. 

Here's how to mark comments as SPAM in Blogger (something I've neglected to remember). Select Design on the top right of your blog, then Comments (on the right side). Place your cursor to the right of any comment and these options display: Remove content of this comment, Mark this comment as spam, Delete this comment. 

Ready, Get Set, Go

As soon as possible to your local U.S. post office or any other place you buy first class postage stamps.

Why the rush?

In case you haven't heard, it's because currently in the U.S. the cost of a first class postage stamp is 55 cents, but in less then two weeks on Sunday, August 29, that same stamp will cost 58 cents — a 5.5 percent increase. This is the second USPS postage rate increase in 2021 since a January 24 increase of 1.8 percent overall that raised rates for the additional ounce on first-class postage, metered mail, certified mail, postcards. Priority mail services increased 3.5 percent overall for flat-rate envelopes and boxes.

A first-class stamp covers the price of a one-ounce first-class letter. While the current 20 cents charge for an additional ounce costs won't change, which increased 5 cents in Jan 2021. 

There's a way to avoid the increase

Stock up now on First-Class® Mail Forever stamps. The Forever in the stamp's name means that even after the August price increase, a single stamp bought for paid 55 cents will still send a one-ounce letter to any U.S. address without needing more postage. Plus, if you have any Forever stamps stashed away, you can still use them until your supply runs out. 

Forever stamps, introduced in 2007, always equal the current price of a first-class stamp. An original First-Class® Forever stamp purchased then for 41 cents or any in following years are still OK to mail a first-class letter with no added postage. Since 2011, nearly all U.S. first-class stamps sold have been Forever stamps.

Forever stamps also can be used for outbound international letters, but still may need more postage to get to the correct amount. There are Forever stamps for international letters, so if, like myself, you send international letters, you might want to stock up on a few of these before Aug 29 — that cost is going up too and more than the U.S. increase. For example, a first-class letter sent to a UK friend will go from $1.20 to $1.30 — Yikes! That's a 10 cent increase so, yes, I've stocked up on some of those, ahead of pre-increase time, as well.

Here's some overall highlights of what you can expect with the August 29 USPS increase.

• First Class Mail Letter (1 oz.) rises from 55 cents to 58 cents 
• Each added ounce for First Class Mail remains at 20 cents (no change)
• Metered letters would rises from 51 cents to 53 cents
• Domestic postcards rises from 36 cents to 40 cents
• Outbound international letters rises from $1.20 to $1.30
• One-ounce flats rises from $1 to $1.16

According to the USPS, this rate increase impacts Market Dominant products, services, like First Class Mail letters, postcards and mailing services. It doesn't include Competitive products, like First Class Package Service or Priority Mail. Of course, this could change in the future.

Where's the blame fall?

Convenience seems to be the culprit. Widespread use of email for bill paying, online ordering, correspondence, and the increasing shift to online banking have all affected the USPS bottom line. Folks are buying fewer stamps for letters and bill paying and even sending greetings online. Businesses have determined that customers can be reached faster and with less costs by email instead of through mailings via the postal system. Of course, while this may reduce junk mail, there's also the risk of increased  spam and junk mail in your online mailbox.

The USPS generally receives no taxpayer money for operating expenses. According to a May 28 statement, the proposed postage price hikes are a first step in a plan to reverse a projected $160 billion in operating losses over the next decade.

The Post Office Department was created in 1792 with the passage of the Postal Service Act. It was elevated to a cabinet-level department in 1872, and in 1970 was transformed by the Postal Reorganization Act into the United States Postal Service as an independent agency, a government-business hybrid that has received no taxpayer monies for operating expenses since 1982 but remains subject to congressional oversight. 

In a 2020 report, the Universal Postal Union ranked the postal services of 170 countries. The top five countries were Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Japan, followed by France, U.S., UK, Canada, Singapore. India Post is considered the largest postal system in the world. The most expensive place to mail a letter is Norway along with Denmark, Finland, Switzerland. While mail services are cheaper in some countries like Peru, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malta the cost of postage has to be weighed against the economy. 

What I'll be doing 

Personally, I'm still  sending postage required (snail-mail) letters and cards which are generally enjoyed by recipients. I'll also mail holiday cards again this year, although the list will be re-checked (like Santa's) and most likely undergo cutbacks. Extra stamps were bought after the 2020 holiday to prepare for this holiday season. Yes,  I expect to buy a few more before Aug 29 arrives.

And, here's a surprise gift thought — if you know someone who likes to send letter/cards and perhaps is on a limited budget, send them postage stamps in your next card or letter.

Will the USPS postal increases affect your correspondence?

Not So Funny . . .

It's a fact that (sadly) nothing lasts forever, including U.S. postal rates.

So, if you have any February mailing events coming up, think Valentines, birthday cards and packages, you might want to mail a bit early — by the last Saturday of this month. 

It's a win-win situation, not only will those you get them be able to enjoy them longer but mailing U.S. cards and packages earlier can save you some $. 

And who doesn't like that?

For anyone who hasn't yet know — some (not all) U.S. postal rates will increase on Sunday, Jan 27 (when post offices are closed). Unless you've pre-bought Forever stamps, the cost of mailing a 1st class letter will be 55 cents vs. the current 50 cents.

The almost good news is that the higher fees will not affect all 2019 postage costs, some will go down or remain the same; postal fees vary by the type of service used. That said, here's the most notable changes as of January 27, 2019:

• First-class mail letter (1 oz.) will be 55 cents: highest percentage rise since 1991 when it rose from 25 to 29 cents. 
• Added letter ounce costs decrease: each additional oz. drops from 21 to 15 cents. Mailing a 2-ounce letter will be 70 cents vs the current 71 cents.
• Postcard card rates remain the same: 35 cents. 
• Priority Mail prices jump by an average 5.9 percent: a small flat-rate Priority Rate box now $7.20 will cost $7.90; a medium Priority Rate box now $13.65 goes to $14.35. 
• Priority Mail Express fees are up 3.9 percent: if mailing an ASAP envelope, the rate goes from $24.70 to $25.50. 

WHY These Increases?

The USPS isn't funded by taxpayer dollars, but operates on the sale of its products and services. According to online sources, in 2018, the U.S. Postal Service lost nearly $4 billion citing losses to drops in mail volume and pension and health care costs. This was the 12th consecutive year that it reported a loss despite a growth in package shipping. 

As a frequent card writer, I use a lot of stamps and pre-bought holiday stamps for 2019 a couple of weeks ago. This week, I'm writing out February birthday and anniversary cards using 50-cent Forever stamps purchased in 2018. I will be buying more stocking up on stamps (at the 50-cent rate) before Jan 27. 

How about other U.S. postal users — will you stock up too or send less mail in 2019?