Blue Star Banners

Dennis Grocott, son of Dan & Joni Grocott, is currently serving in Kuwait in the Army National Guard, A Battery, 147 Field Artiliary, of Aberdeen. He left on July 1, 2009 for a ten month tour.
Joni Grocott is shown here receiving a Blue Star Banner from Vice Commander Loren Even at our July 2009 meeting.

Other Blue Star receipents have included: Tracy Butler,
Vince & Diane Siemonsma, Jay & Tammi Gunderson, Tom & Darlene Kaffar, Tom & Rosie Sieverding, Jim & Shirley Hanson, Joni Langley, Becky Pressler, Dale & Marlys Lueth, Virginia Mathieu-Smith, Steve & Norma Bannworth and Ken & Mary Hartle.

Change in the flag code

Veterans, Troops can always salute

A change to Section 9 of the US Flag Code written into the Defense Authorization Act this year now gives veterans and members of the US Armed Forces the authority to render a salute to the flag, whether or not they are in uniform or wearing identifying veteran apparel such as an American Legion cap.

All others present should remove any headwear, face the flag and place their right hand over their heart. Headwear should be held to the left shoulder, leaving the right hand over the heart.

These acts are to be conducted anytime there is a hoisting orlowering of the U. S. Flag, whenever it passes. Citizens of foreign countries should stand at attention.

The official section of the Flag code follows:
9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag during the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, those present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.