:: The Biggest Piece of the Pie ::
I remember fondly
the holidays when I was young. I remember mom, wearing her
red-checkered apron, as she carefully pulled a fragrant apple pie
from the oven. As the pie cooled, my siblings and I could hardly
contain our excitement. But before the much-anticipated dessert, we
would enjoy our annual Christmas dinner. My siblings and I sat
around the table and after prayer, devoured turkey, gravy and mashed
potatoes, but often glanced back into the kitchen, where the pies
awaited.
Towards the end of the meal, my mother would push back her chair and
disappear into the kitchen. She would bring out the apple pie,
slicing it carefully. Each of us watched with eagerness, silently
plotting for the fight for the biggest piece. Without fail, the
argument ensued, but would only last until my mother gave us a
gentle reminder – the biggest piece belonged to Dad.
The bigger lesson of the memory is this: with dishes clanging, pie
awaiting and football on the television, sometimes the gratefulness
we ought to feel is forgotten. In the heat of the moment, we forget
to enjoy it. We instead reach selfishly for the right channel on
television and worry who is going to clean up the kitchen. Too often
we overlook the emotional joy of giving to others and enjoying the
memories made from doing so. We too seldom express truly heartfelt
thanks for those who have made sacrifices on our behalf and for the
blessings in our lives and on our nation.
This week, my focus is on the importance of gratitude – for those
who are so deserving: our men and women in uniform, their spouses,
parents and children. These individuals deserve more gratitude than
we can give. During this time of giving thanks, I encourage you to
show your gratitude to those who sacrifice everything.
The Department of Defense provides a website:
www.americasupportsyou.mil and the General Services
Administration’s site for citizens:
www.firstgov.gov also suggests
ways in which citizens can support the troops.
Here are some of the wonderful ways that we can remember our troops
during this holiday season:
Send a Virtual Thank You from the Defend America Website –
whether lengthy or brief, a note of encouragement is always
appreciated.
Volunteer to Help Veterans - If you want to give your time and
talents to support the care of America's veterans,
click here
to complete a volunteer application and be contacted by a local
Veterans’ Affairs Voluntary Service representative.
Volunteer
for Operation USO Care Package - The United Service
Organizations, Inc. (USO) enlists the support of individuals around
the world to support the troops through Operation USO Care Package.
Let us, instead of reaching for the biggest piece, give more of
ourselves to those who deserve it the most. We thank them for
choosing service over self and the great blessing that they protect
– freedom.
:: Observing Flag Etiquette ::
In June of 1777, the
Continental Congress established an official flag for our newly
founded nation. Today, nearly 230 years later, our flag continues to
stand as a symbol of freedom, valor, and hope. Constituents often
ask me about the proper treatment of such an important symbol to our
nation. The following questions and answers regarding the United
States Flag Code will help you in following proper flag etiquette.
What is the proper of time of day to fly the flag?
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to
sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be
displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of
darkness.
Should I take the
flag down during a rain storm?
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is
inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
When should the flag be displayed?
The flag should be
displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near
the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It
should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election
days and in or near every schoolhouse during school days.
What is the proper
way to display the flag?
The flag should never be displayed with union down, except as a
signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or
property. When displayed against a wall or a window, the blue field
should be uppermost and to the left of the observer.
Where should my flag
be mounted in relation to the front of my house?
The flag should be
displayed in a position of prominence. This usually means to left or
right of the front door, or at the center of the house. If you are
flying two flags, however, the American flag should always be
positioned to the left of the other flag as the viewer approaches
the house.
Should I destroy the
flag if it touches the ground?
No. The flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor
should the flag ever touch anything beneath it. However, if your
flag does touch the ground, you should immediately correct the
situation and clean the flag with a mild soap solution if it has
been dirtied.
My flag is really
old and is ready to be retired. How should I dispose of it properly?
The Flag Code states
that when the condition of a flag is no longer fitting for display
that it should be disposed of in the most dignified way possible.
Your local VFW chapter, the American Legion, and some Boy Scout and
Girl Scout troops offer services to help you properly dispose of
your flag.
For more flag etiquette tips or if you would like to purchase a flag
flown over the United States Capitol, please visit my website at
randyforbes.house.gov.
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