print Print Cartoons

Questions

1. What does the folded flag represent in the first cartoon? – What is the reason for the folded flag?

2. From the 2nd cartoon: On Memorial Day, why should the flag be flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day?

CHALLENGE:  Memorial Day, a day when we actively remember those who who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, should be observed:

  • by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes
  • by visiting memorials
  • by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon
  • by flying the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act)
  • by participating in a
  • by participating in the National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute, and for Taps to be played if possible
  • by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans; visit, call or write to these family members

How will you commemorate Memorial Day this year?

Find out what is happening in your town by doing the following:
-Do an internet search for “2019 Memorial Day Observances” + name of your city, state
-Call your city hall to ask if the city will hold a Memorial Day ceremony.
-Call your local VFW, AmVets or DAV for information on their Memorial Day ceremonies.


Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers.

Cartoon by Rick McKee


 

Cartoon by Dan Pavelich

Answers

1. The folded flag represents a U.S. military veteran who has died. To honor the memory of their service to their country, a U.S. flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans. The field of blue is at the head and over the left shoulder. After Taps is played, the flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tricorner shape. The folded flag is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin. (from ushistory .org)

2. Flying the flag in this way on Memorial Day is a sign of respect to show our eternal gratitude to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in defense of the United States.