Friday, June 14, 2013

Happy Flag Day, Grandma Ruby


Ross' grandmother, Ruby Simmons, was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1902. She passed away on July 12, 2007, at the age of 105. “Grandma Ruby,” was how she was known by everyone. For her, longevity was not happenstance. In her century of life, she exuded that warm, kind, giving, friendliness to all, and optimism in all things, that we believe God felt deserving of additional time here on earth, not for her so much as for us to learn from. As she used to recite from her favorite poem, “I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.” Although she has left us, her home is in our heart.

Annually, Grandma would mischievously observe that it was flattering that the community would commemorate her birthday by displaying their United States Flags...it being Flag Day and all. Too, ironically, Ross’ first public speech was at the age of 14, when Grandma Ruby (being a young 75 at the time) asked him to speak on Flag Etiquette to the Imperial Valley Republican Women’s Club. Therein lies our tribute. Ross and Hunter have created this page as their ongoing tribute to Grandma Ruby, who was a patriot, a pioneer, and a role model to those who had the privilege of meeting her, all of whom she held dear. We write for the community, and in memory of her.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Presidential Proclamation -- Honoring the victims of the tragedy in Boston, Massachusetts

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, April 20, 2013. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA

Monday, January 14, 2013

Photo: Train Undercarriage Display


NOT PROPER.

Flag Code violations:  “No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America….”  Section 8.  "The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat."  Section 7(b).  “When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.  When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street."  Section 7(i).  "The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way." Section 8(e).  Photo (C) 2012 by P. Bober.