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03 May
0

Take Steps to Boost Financial Literacy

by in Interest

This article was written by Edward Jones for us by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Tyler Simonds. Edward Jones, Member SIPC. You can reach Tyler at 410-398-4214

To achieve your financial goals, it’s tremendously helpful to know as much as you can about issues such as saving, spending, borrowing and investing. So, what can you do to increase your own financial literacy?

Of course, the answer to this question depends somewhat on your own knowledge and experience. But it’s worth noting that many people seem to have fallen behind in their financial know-how. In fact, only about half of U.S. adults say they are knowledgeable about personal finances, according to the Pew Research Center.

In any case, regardless of where you are in life, it’s never too late to boost your financial literacy. Here are a few suggestions:

Read all about it. There’s certainly no shortage of written material — books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, websites — on all manner of financial issues. The more you read about these topics, the more you’ll understand them. However, you do have to be careful when doing your research, especially if you’re looking at blogs and financial websites, some of which may appear to be educational in nature but are actually trying to sell you something or give you a “hot tip” on stocks or other investments.

Know yourself. Another part of financial literacy is self-knowledge. Are you naturally inclined to be a saver or a spender? Do you have a strong aversion to debt, or can you live with what is considered a reasonable amount? When you invest, are you willing to take on more risk for potentially higher returns, or do you prefer a more conservative approach? By knowing the answers to these and other key questions, you’ll be better prepared to make appropriate financial decisions.

Get some help. If you work with a financial professional, you’ll gain access to all sorts of knowledge about investing, as well as guidance on creating strategies to help you achieve your short- and long-term goals. A qualified financial professional should take the time to learn your needs, family situation, investment preferences and feelings about risk — and along the way, you’ll learn more about the financial markets and how events such as interest rate changes and new tax laws can affect your choices.

While it’s great to improve your own financial literacy, you’ll also want to help your children, or possibly grandchildren, get a good start on their financial journeys.

The earlier kids start learning about money, the better equipped they’ll be to manage it when they get older. Any lessons you’ve learned — perhaps some the hard way — about saving and spending can be valuable to your young family members. And you can make their financial education fun, too — why not buy them shares of stock in a company with which they’re familiar and follow its progress? Fortunately, you might also get some help from your local schools, as more than two-thirds of all states now require personal finance classes for high school graduation, according to the Council for Economic Education.

Everyone benefits from financial literacy — so add to your own and promote it to your loved ones.

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26 Apr
0

Designing The American Flag – Part 7

by in History, Patriotism

Folding for storage…
Though not part of the official Flag Code, according to military custom, flags should be folded into a triangular shape when not in use. To properly fold the flag:

  1. Begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.
  2. Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.
  3. Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.
  4. Make a rectangular fold then a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open top edge of the flag, starting the fold from the left side over to the right.
  5. Turn the outer end point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.
  6. The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner (usually thirteen triangular folds, as shown at right). On the final fold, any remnant that does not neatly fold into a triangle (or in the case of exactly even folds, the last triangle) is tucked into the previous fold.
  7. When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

There is also no specific meaning for each fold of the flag. However, there are scripts read by non-government organizations and also by the Air Force that are used during the flag folding ceremony.

Use in funerals…
Traditionally, the flag of the United States plays a role in military funerals, and occasionally in funerals of other civil servants (such as law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and U.S. presidents).

A burial flag is draped over the deceased’s casket as a pall during services.

Just prior to the casket being lowered into the ground, the flag is ceremonially folded and presented to the deceased’s next of kin as a token of respect.

Possible future design…
If a new U.S. state were to be admitted, it would require a new design of the flag to accommodate an additional star for a 51st state. 51-star flags have been designed and used as a symbol by supporters of statehood in various jurisdictions.

According to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, the United States flag never becomes obsolete. Any approved American flag may continue to be used and displayed until no longer serviceable.

A possible 51 star flag design if a 51st state is added.

Related designs…
The U.S. flag has inspired many other flags for regions, political movements, and cultural groups, resulting in a stars and stripes flag family. The other national flags belonging to this family are: Chile, Cuba, Greece, Liberia, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Togo, and Uruguay.

  • The flag of Bikini Atoll is symbolic of the islanders’ belief that a great debt is still owed to the people of Bikini because in 1954 the United States government detonated a thermonuclear bomb on the island as part of the Castle Bravo test.
  • The Republic of the United States of Brazil briefly used a flag inspired by the U.S. flag in 1889. The flag had 13 green and yellow stripes, as well as a blue square with 21 white stars for the canton.
  • The flag of Liberia bears a close resemblance, showing the origin of the country in free people of color from North America and primarily the United States. The Liberian flag has 11 similar red and white stripes, which stand for the 11 signers of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, as well as a blue square with only a single large white star for the canton. The flag is the only current flag in the world modeled after and resembling the American flag, as Liberia is the only nation in the world that was founded, colonized, established, and controlled by settlers who were free people of color and formerly enslaved people from the United States and the Caribbean aided and supported by the American Colonization Society beginning in 1822.
  • Despite Malaysia having no historical connections with the U.S., their flag greatly resembles the U.S. flag.
  • The flag of El Salvador from 1865 to 1912 was based on the flag of the United States, with a field of alternating blue and white stripes and a red canton containing white stars.
  • The flag of Brittany was inspired in part by the American flag.
  • The flag of the Mountainous Republic of the Northern Caucasus, (1917 to 1922), was divided into seven horizontal stripes that altered between green and white. In the right top corner was placed a blue canton with seven five-pointed yellow stars. Six of those were placed in two horizontal rows, each containing three stars. Next to them, on the right, was placed another star, in the middle of the height of two rows. The stars were slightly sued to the left.

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12 Apr
0

Female Veteran of the Quarter – Eugenia Thornton

by in Veteran of the Quarter

This article features Eugenia Thornton

From Bien Hoa to Bosnia, Eugenia “Gene” Thornton entered Active Duty in Jan 1973 from Middletown, DE and retired at Fort Myer, VA in Feb 2000. Her parents were Dolly and Gene Thornton of Cass Street.

Gene commanded a Transition Point, a Division Personnel Company, a Corps Personnel Company, a Regional Personnel Center, a Personnel/Postal Battalion, and served as both Deputy Commander of a Personnel Group and the Corps Adjutant General during Operation Desert Storm, also known as the lst Gulf War.

In her alternate field of public affairs, Gene edited a post newspaper, was press escort during several international NATO exercises, as well as for the Iranian Hostage Return, and worked in the office of the Director of Admissions, US Military Academy, in the office of the Secretary of the Army for the Chief of Army Public Affairs, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, and served as advisor to the Vice Chief of Staff, US Army (2nd highest ranking officer in the US Army).

When she retired in February 2000, she was serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel in the Military District of Washington. She was one of only a dozen women who had attained the rank of colonel or higher. She was the first woman to hold every single job she had for 27 years. She always felt pressure to mentor women and make it easier for them to achieve.

Upon her retirement, Gene returned to Delaware where she started her own professional services business, and worked in a Dover law firm. Soon, she became a Kent County Regional Planning Commissioner and served in that capacity for 13 years. Gene also volunteered for the Southern Delaware Division of the American Heart Association and, in fact, was President of the Board from 2008 to 2011. Gene belongs to many conservation and animal rights organizations and served on several of their boards. She served on the Board of the Friends of the Delaware Public Achieves representing Kent County. Gene is the architect and founding chair of a committee whose aim is to see that military retired pay is free of Delaware State taxes. In addition, she is a tireless advocate for the Delaware Veterans Home, where her husband of 42 years, LTC Don Jagger, resided for the last five years of his life. Gene has been president of the Dover Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America since January 2019.

Gene’s liberal arts degree is from Washington College, in Chestertown MD and her Master’s in Public Administration is from Golden Gate University, San Francisco. She also graduated from the Army College of Command and Staff on the Commandant’s list.

Gene married her records keeping ability with her public affairs expertise. She is serving her first term as the Kent County Recorder of Deeds, beginning January 2023. Using the military ethos of benchmarking, goal setting, and listening to stakeholders, Gene received a commendation from the City of Dover before she had served a full year. At the end of her first year, she was named the Kent County Elected Official of the Year, and at the end of her second year, she was selected Readers’ Choice Public Official for the Stars of Delaware.

Gene will present “I’ll Shoot You First, Myself: One woman’s 27 year journey in ‘this man’s Army’” at the Delaware Agriculture Museum on March 12, 2025 from 5-6:30pm. Admission is free.

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05 Apr
0

Male Veteran of the Quarter – Richard T. Dorsey

by in Veteran of the Quarter

This article features Richard T. Dorsey

Richard T. Dorsey, Jr. has an unwavering dedication to service, resilience in overcoming challenges, and commitment to supporting fellow veterans. His journey from military service to civilian life exemplifies perseverance, growth, and a deep passion for helping others navigate the same path he once walked.

Military Service & Background
Richard proudly served in the United States Army as a 31P – Microwave Systems Operator – Maintainer, responsible for supervising and maintaining strategic microwave communications systems. He served for 3 years, 6 months and achieved the rank of Private First Class. His service included a tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His decision to join the military was driven by the need to provide for his growing family. Engaged and ready to start a family, Richard sought a stable career and a trade that would support them. His enlistment on September 6, 2001—just five days before the 9/11 attacks—gave his service an even greater sense of purpose. Coming from a family with a deep-rooted military background, particularly his grandfather, William L. Smith Sr., a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, service was always a strong part of his identity.

When reflecting on his most memorable experiences, Richard highlights the deep bonds formed with his battle buddies and the camaraderie built through shared experiences. His deployment for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Louisiana was a significant moment, reinforcing his dedication to service beyond the battlefield.

Transition to Civilian Life
Like many veterans, Richard’s transition to civilian life was extremely challenging. He describes it as tumultuous and an epic failure at first. Without the proper tools to navigate life beyond the military, he struggled to trust anyone outside of his service relationships, even family. Isolation and difficulty coping led to reliance on substances as an escape, further hindering his adjustment. Communication was another major obstacle, as the structured world of the military did not fully prepare him for the complexities of civilian interactions.

Despite these struggles, Richard gained strength from his deepened appreciation for life, his understanding of diversity and unity, and the connections he built through networking and relationships. He realized that many fellow veterans faced similar challenges, which inspired him to become a peer support specialist. His military experience profoundly shaped his personal and professional life, helping him develop tools to not only survive but thrive—and to support others along the way.

For veterans currently transitioning, Richard offers valuable advice: “Take it gradually, build a support network, find a purpose greater than yourself, and do not go it alone.”

Community Involvement & Advocacy
Richard remains deeply connected to the veteran community through his career at CHEP, where he works as a peer support specialist at Perry Point, helping veterans rebuild their lives through connection, listening, and encouragement. He also maintains lifelong bonds with his former service members, ensuring that no one feels alone in their post-service journey.

Additionally, Richard is involved with organizations such as:

  • CHEP (Chesapeake Health Education Program)
  • Voices of Hope
  • Recovery Centers of America

Through these groups, he continues his mission of outreach, recovery, and support for veterans navigating difficult transitions.

Personal Reflections & Legacy
Being the Male Veteran of the Quarter is a humbling and unexpected honor for Richard. Having been trained to go above and beyond without expecting recognition, he sees this acknowledgment as reaffirmation that he is exactly where he is meant to be, doing the work he loves.

The core values instilled in him during his military service—commitment, loyalty, dedication, trust, and respect—remain an integral part of his identity. His grandfather’s guidance and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping his character, teaching him about discipline, honesty, and unconditional love, and most importantly introducing him to God.

Looking back, he would advise his younger self: “Close your mouth, open your ears and your mind. Soak it all in—knowledge is power.”

As for the next generation of veterans, Richard hopes to inspire them to understand that the military experience is a process of breaking down and rebuilding—a journey of transformation that prepares them for life’s mission.

Closing Thoughts
Reflecting on his journey, Richard sees this opportunity as Male Veteran of the Quarter as a blessing—a moment to acknowledge how far he has come and to continue his mission of lifting up fellow veterans.

His story serves as a powerful reminder that while the transition from military to civilian life is often filled with challenges, it is through resilience, connection, and purpose that veterans can find new ways to serve—both themselves and their communities.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine

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29 Mar
0

Business of the Quarter – Café on the Bay

by in Business of the Quarter

Hi There! I’m Tammy Smithers, owner of Café on the Bay in Chesapeake City. I’m a long time resident of Cecil County, both of my sons graduated from North East High School and one is now a financial advisor (Tyler Simonds, our regular financial writer) and the other is an engineer. Even before opening the café in 2018, Chesapeake City was our favorite destination for boating so when I saw the building for sale, I knew it was meant to be!

I am a former teacher and was working in the banking industry when I was inspired to open a coffee shop in the heart of the historic waterfront downtown. Over the past 7 years we have grown from breakfast sandwiches and lattes and now offer a much more expansive lunch menu as well. Enjoy delicious food while appreciating the waterside views and ships passing through the C&D Canal, making your visit both meaningful and memorable.

In addition to the café, I serve as the Treasurer for the Chesapeake City Chamber of Commerce and coordinate many of the events in town. A few of the upcoming events that drive tourism to the town are the St Patrick’s Day parade at noon on March 15th and the Independence Day festival and fireworks on July 5th.

Come visit us! We love new friends!
19 Bohemia Ave, Chesapeake City, MD.
We are open 6:45-3:30 every day.

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22 Mar
0

Characteristics of Common Types of Skin Cancer

by in Health and Wellness

Presented by Marc Scheiner, M.D., Cecil Dermatology, Elkton, MD

CecilDermatology.com
410.620.9722
@cecildermatology

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which is usually caused by the sun’s harmful rays. Caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Skin cancer is not contagious. The type of skin cancer a person gets is determined by where the cancer begins.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. BCCs often look like a flesh-colored round growth, pearl-like bump, or a pinkish patch of skin. BCCs usually develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning. They are common on the head, neck, and arms; however, they can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens. SCC tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent SCC from growing deep.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a growth that hasn’t turned into skin cancer yet, but is worth mentioning here. These dry, scaly patches or spots on the skin are also caused by too much sun. An AK is a precancerous skin growth that can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. AKs usually form on the skin that gets a lot of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms. Treatment is important to prevent the AK lesion from developing into SCC.

Melanoma is often called “the most serious skin cancer” because it has the potential to spread. Melanoma can develop within a mole that you already have on your skin or appear suddenly as a dark spot on the skin that looks different from the rest. Knowing the ABCDE warning signs can help you find an early melanoma – check for Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, and Evolution.

If you see any new growths on your skin, or growths you’ve had for a long time are growing or changing, schedule a visit for an evaluation with your primary care doctor or dermatologist. Allowed to grow, skin cancer can grow deep into the skin and sometimes penetrate the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement. Early detection and treatment is the key to the best outcomes.

Book Your Screening Today! Skin Cancer Screening is Important ALL YEAR – there’s no wrong time to screen.

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15 Mar
0

Potato and Chorizo Chalupas Recipe

by in Recipes

234 calories /11.6g of fat / 786mg of sodium 3g of saturated fat/ 25g of carbs

Serves: 8
Total Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tbsp of a good grade of olive oil
  • 1/2 lb of ground chorizo sausage
  • 2 yellow potatoes (peeled, chopped)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 (8.6 oz) pkg of Chupas
  • Queso Fresco (for serving)
  • Red onion, chopped (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Chorizo and cook, breaking up into crumbles using a spoon until completely browned, about 5-7 minutes, add the potatoes and cook until tender and golden brown, about 8 -10 minutes.
  2. Stir in the garlic, salt and pepper. cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Spoon a generous amount of the potato and chorizo mixture into each chalupa shell.
  4. Top with queso fresco and red onion. garnish with cilantro and serve.
  5. A good tip is to use your favorite topping, like guacamole or pico de gallo.

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08 Mar
0

The Special Budget

by in Family, Religion

Article By: Dee Jones, President of Light 2 World, Inc.

Mommy, can you give me two dollars? Daddy, I need more Robux skins for my computer game; they’re only $10 dollars. The list goes on and on. There are times I think children see parents as a Money Tree! What can be done to teach our kids about money? Let me share a few ideas and tools.

The Haley Way Foundation suggests using real money to teach children financial literacy. The more senses are engaged, the better. Homemade matching games and counting activities are useful with young children and those with disabilities.

Next, be a role model for your child. Engage him/her as you manage a budget and/or give to your favorite organization. Our son has a wallet and he gets an allowance for the chores he completes. A piggy bank or alphabet bank works also. Start young!

ABCJesusLovesMe shares stories and videos about saving, tithing, and giving to those in need. Another resource is a web app called Dollars & Cents. This interactive technology uses games and animation to foster counting skills, spending money, and other fun activities

The Family Christian website offers4 simple steps to get started:

  1. Teach children how to budget. Help them divide their allowance into categories such as giving, tithe, and saving.
  2. Pick a favorite cause. Let them see you give to a cause as well.
  3. Teach about tithing. The Bible teaches about tithing and children’s Bibles illustrate this concept in a simple way.
  4. Save for short term goals like a holiday gift.

As with all important decisions, teach your child to pray about finances. Children notice when there is someone in need, they may see a homeless person or the Salvation Army worker may ask for a donation. These are teachable moments to discuss ways to help others. Encourage your little one to pray for others who are in need.

Resources:

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01 Mar
0

The Importance of Sunlight for Health

by in Health and Wellness

By: Rebecca Hummer of Pura Vida Yoga & Physical Training in Maryland

Sunlight is an essential component of the natural environment that impacts both physical and mental health in numerous ways. While modern society has increasingly moved towards indoor lifestyles, the vital role of sunlight in maintaining optimal health cannot be overstated. This paper aims to explore the various ways in which sunlight is crucial to human health, from its impact on vitamin D production to its psychological benefits, and how it can help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Vitamin D Synthesis and Bone Health
One of the most well-documented benefits of sunlight is its role in the synthesis of vitamin D. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight, it produces vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the gut, which are necessary for strong bones and teeth. Without adequate vitamin D, individuals are at risk of developing bone-related diseases such as rickets in children or osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults.

Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, which can help prevent infections and chronic diseases. Research has shown that individuals with low levels of vitamin D are more susceptible to respiratory infections, and there is evidence suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to conditions like autoimmune diseases and even cancer. Therefore, regular exposure to sunlight is one of the most natural and effective ways to maintain adequate vitamin D levels and support overall health.

Mental Health and Mood Enhancement
In addition to its physical benefits, sunlight has a profound impact on mental health. Exposure to natural light has been linked to the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Sunlight exposure, particularly in the morning, can boost serotonin levels, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when sunlight exposure is limited. Studies have shown that people with SAD tend to have lower levels of serotonin, which can be improved through light therapy. Furthermore, increased sunlight exposure can regulate circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock, which helps to improve sleep quality and overall mood. Consistent exposure to natural light helps synchronize the circadian rhythm, leading to more restful and restorative sleep.

Cardiovascular Health
Sunlight exposure has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits as well. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that sunlight exposure is linked to a reduction in blood pressure. The mechanism behind this effect involves the production of nitric oxide in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Nitric oxide helps to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Regular exposure to sunlight can thus contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Immune System Boost
Sunlight has been shown to strengthen the immune system, partly due to its role in promoting vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D helps activate immune cells like T-cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections. Furthermore, moderate sun exposure has been linked to an improved ability to fight off diseases like the flu. The sunlight-induced production of nitric oxide also has immune-enhancing properties, which can help the body ward off pathogens and reduce inflammation.

Skin Health
While excessive sunlight exposure can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, moderate sun exposure has positive effects on skin health. Sunlight helps to improve certain skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and acne. UV exposure can promote the production of a compound called melanin, which provides some protection against harmful UV rays. Additionally, the antimicrobial effects of sunlight can help reduce the bacteria present on the skin, supporting a healthier complexion.

Potential Risks of Excessive Sunlight
It is important to note that while moderate sunlight exposure offers numerous health benefits, excessive exposure can lead to harmful effects, most notably an increased risk of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that may result in skin cancer, including melanoma. Overexposure to sunlight can also cause premature aging of the skin, resulting in wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin elasticity.

To balance the benefits of sunlight with the risk of skin damage, it is recommended to practice sun safety by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Taking these precautions can help ensure that individuals receive the necessary benefits of sunlight without incurring its harmful effects.

Sunlight plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental health. Its benefits are far-reaching, from promoting the production of vitamin D, which is vital for bone health, to improving mood, boosting the immune system, and even supporting cardiovascular health. While excessive exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage and other health risks, moderate and safe sunlight exposure remains essential for overall well-being. As such, it is important for individuals to strike a balance between enjoying the health benefits of sunlight and protecting themselves from its harmful effects. By incorporating healthy sun habits into daily life, people can harness the many positive effects of sunlight and enhance their quality of life.

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22 Feb
0

Designing The American Flag – Part 6

by in History, Patriotism

Displaying the Flag Correctly…
Although the Flag Code is U.S. federal law, there is no penalty for a private citizen or group failing to comply with the Flag Code, and it is not widely enforced. Here are the correct ways to display the flag.

On Vehicles…
When the flag is affixed to the right side of a vehicle of any kind, it should be oriented so that the canton is towards the front of the vehicle, as if the flag were streaming backward from its hoist as the vehicle moves forward. Therefore, U.S. flag decals on the right sides of vehicles may appear to be reversed, with the union to the observer’s right instead of left as more commonly seen.

On Uniforms…
On some U.S. military uniforms, flag patches are worn on the right shoulder, following the vehicle convention with the union toward the front. Since the Stars and Stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left. Several U.S. military uniforms, such as flight suits worn by members of the United States Air Force and Navy, have the flag patch on the left shoulder. Other organizations that wear flag patches on their uniforms can have the flag facing in either direction. Law enforcement officers often wear a small flag patch, either on a shoulder or above a shirt pocket.

On Postage Stamps…
The flag did not appear on U.S. postal stamp issues until the Battle of White Plains Issue was released in 1926, depicting the flag with a circle of 13 stars. The 48-star flag first appeared on the General Casimir Pulaski issue of 1931, though in a small monochrome depiction. The first U.S. postage stamp to feature the flag as the sole subject was issued July 4, 1957, Scott catalog number 1094. Since then, the flag has frequently appeared on U.S. stamps.

In Museums…
In 1907 Eben Appleton, New York stockbroker and grandson of Lieutenant Colonel George Armistead, loaned the Star-Spangled Banner Flag to the Smithsonian Institution. In 1912 he converted the loan into a gift. Appleton donated the flag with the wish that it would always be on view to the public. In 1994, the National Museum of American History determined that the Star-Spangled Banner Flag required further conservation treatment to remain on public display.

In 1998 teams of museum conservators, curators, and other specialists helped move the flag from its home in the Museum’s Flag Hall into a new conservation laboratory. Following the reopening of the National Museum of American History on November 21, 2008, the flag is now on display in a special exhibition, “The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired the National Anthem,” where it rests at a 10-degree angle in dim light for conservation purposes.

Display at half-staff…
The flag is displayed at half-staff as a sign of respect or mourning. Nationwide, this action is proclaimed by the president; statewide, the proclamation is made by the governor. In addition, there is no prohibition against municipal governments, private businesses, or citizens flying the flag at half-staff as a local sign of respect and mourning. However, many flag enthusiasts feel this type of practice has somewhat diminished the meaning of the original intent of lowering the flag to honor those who held high positions in federal or state offices.

To properly fly the flag at half-staff, one should first briefly hoist it top of the staff, then lower it to the half-staff position, halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Similarly, when the flag is to be lowered from half-staff, it should be first briefly hoisted to the top of the staff.

Places of continuous display…
U.S. flags are displayed continuously at certain locations…

  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
  • Flag House Square
  • Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA
  • Battle Green in Lexington, MA
  • The White House
  • Washington Monument
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry
  • Pennsylvania Hall at Gettysburg College
  • National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge NHP, Valley Forge, PA
  • Maryland home, birthplace, and grave of Francis Scott Key
  • Worcester, MA war memorial
  • Plaza in Taos, New Mexico
  • United States Capitol (since 1918)
  • Mount Moriah Cemetery in SD
  • Slover Mountain in Colton, CA
  • Ceremonial South Pole
  • At Boston Logan Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport
  • On the Moon

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