June 14th is Flag Day. Fly it with pride. Happy Flag Day 2025

Today is June 14, which has been designated as “Flag Day.” June 14, 1777 is the date that Congress officially adopted our nation’s flag.

The U.S. flag has been modified 26 times since its adoption in 1777. Today's 50-star flag, created in 1960, has been in use the longest. 

 

Are you up to date on flag custom; which days are appropriate to fly your flag? The answer is every day, but there are special days when the flag should be displayed.

 

Please see Military.com for the article Flag Etiquette and the US Flag Code

The U.S. Flag Code is not legally enforceable, but adherence to it is considered a sign of patriotism and respect. The code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the U.S. flag, and also gives specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.

 

Happy Flag Day.

A statement of protest or honoring the late President Carter – or is it simple neglect of following assigned Flag protocol? Flags remain at half-staff at Palmetto Bay’s Village Hall during the inauguration.

A faithful reader sent me two photos today of the flags at Palmetto Bay’s Village Hall that remain at half-mast on Monday, January 20, 2025.  The photos were taken just after 1 PM - during the inauguration of President Trump.

Interesting – so the fair question is whether this is simply laziness, ignoring flag protocol or is it an official passive aggressive statement of protest relating to the election?  I have not heard anything on the inside, I just place these though provoking photos online for my fellow residents to consider.

As reported in the USA TODAY:

Eight states, including Iowa, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Nebraska and Alabama, ordered flags at full-staff during Trump’s inauguration. In addition to the state buildings, the U.S. Capitol will have its flags at full-staff during the inauguration, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Tuesday.

“On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump,” Johnson said in a statement. “The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter.”

Florida is one of the eight states listed in the USA Today article as ordering flags at full-staff during Trump’s inauguration - See: Which states will raise flags for Trump's inauguration? Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is one of Governors who specifically ordered that flags be raised for the incoming president.

Flag Day 2024 - a patriotic day - Fly your flag. Info on the holiday with link to video

 Are you up to date on flag custom; which days are appropriate to fly your flag?  The answer is every day, but there are special days when the flag should be displayed. I have chosen the Military dot Com site to provide more information on flag custom: 

UNITED STATES CODE

(Display of U.S. flag)

Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS

Sec. 174. Time and occasions for display

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable), Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.

Have a happy Flag Day. Fly it proudly.  

Eugene Flinn

Remembering America's Veterans - those who earned the Purple Heart.

Important memories and celebrations that should be recognized at home, if we cannot safely join together during this pandemic. 

Palmetto Bay became a "Purple Heart City" as per resolution 2016-40 that I was proud to sponsor as Mayor of Palmetto Bay. 

This is a national day of recognition. Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

See Channel 10 News online: Palmetto Bay becomes first Purple Heart city in South Florida - Flag-raising ceremony held to commemorate honor, By Peter Burke - Local 10.com Managing Editor, posted: 1:22 PM, August 10, 2016.

Pictured above: Palmetto Bay's initial Purple Heart event at the local American Legion Post 133

See prior related post of August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City! where there are additional photos from this 2016 event

CLICK HERE to view other related posts recognizing our Veterans for their service.

The Remembrance Poppy and the Poem, "In Flanders Field"

“In Flanders Fields" was written on May 3, 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrae who was a physician, poet, author, artist and soldier serving in World I. Flanders is a region of Europe that comprises parts of Belgium and France. 

This poem resulted in the remembrancepoppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

This poem can be found online at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

In Flanders Fields, by: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Memorial Day 2020 - We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Monday, May 25, 2020 - the day we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

We owe our peace and democracy to them. Please observe a minute of silence at 3:00 PM local time to pay tribute to Americans who've died in military service.

Visit USA.gov's Memorial Day page to learn about the origins of this federal holiday; read veterans' stories; find patriotic songs; get tips on barbecue, boating, and swimming safety; and more!Brief History: 

The first Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.

 

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May. 

 

Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, asking Americans wherever they are to pause in an act of national unity. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom.  

 

The flag should be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. All people of the United States are requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary period.

Memorial Day 2019 - We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Remembrance Poppy and the Poem, "In Flanders Field"

Monday, May 27, 2019. This is the day we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

We owe our peace and democracy to them. Please observe a minute of silence at 3:00 pm local time to pay tribute to Americans who've died in military service.

Visit USA.gov's Memorial Day page to learn about the origins of this federal holiday; read veterans' stories; find patriotic songs; get tips on barbecue, boating, and swimming safety; and more!Brief History:  

The first Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

 

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May. 

 

Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, asking Americans wherever they are to pause in an act of national unity. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom.  

 

The flag should be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. All people of the United States are requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary period.

_______ 

What’s the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
_______

The Remembrance Poppy and the Poem, "In Flanders Field"

“In Flanders Fields" was written on May 3, 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrae who was a physician, poet, author, artist and soldier serving in World I. Flanders is a region of Europe that comprises parts of Belgium and France. This poem resulted in the remembrancepoppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

This poem can be found online at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

_______

Independence Day - celebrated in the Village of Parks Day events I - III

July 4th holiday was celebrated in Palmetto Bay. Here are some photos that document some of the very festive day.  It started early.

Morning gathering:

 Mangowood:

 American Legion:

Dear Fellow Palmetto Bay resident,

July 4, 1776, the date our county's founders declared our independence from Britain, the date we marks as the day that American Democracy was born. There are many great neighborhood and regional events going on (some including Mangowood and American Legion Post 133 are listed below) so plan ahead, have fun and stay safe!

This is a holiday to celebrate, the day we celebrate the birth of our great nation, the creation of the greatest system of freedom and democracy. All of this occurred due to the great physical and financial sacrifice of the founders of this nation, the brave men and women of yesterday and today who have sacrificed so greatly to ensure the traditions bestowed by our remarkable founders. We owe them vigilance, and the willingness to defend the democracy they have passed on to us.

Independence Day has been celebrated since 1776.  But do you know the year that July 4 was officially made a Federal Holiday?  Would you believe 1941? Check out the  History.com page regarding July 4, for additional information.

Let us continue to look to a future that belongs to all of us - a future that 'we, the people' have the power to create.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday, and hope that the day's happiness reminds us all of the importance of the Fourth of July.

As always, I am available to discuss this and any other matters with you.  eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or 305-302-3713.  

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Independence Day celebration in Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay is the place to celebrate the Fourth of July  

It all starts at 6 pm at Village Hall, with plenty to see: Bands, rides, artists and food. We'd like to thank our red-level sponsors this year, as we invite you to check out the complete guide to Independence Day festivities here at Village Hall: (CLICK HERE)

Neighborhood Events

Mangowood

The Mangowood Community is once again hosting its annual July 4th Celebration. 

This event is held at SW 152 St / SW 148 Drive in the Village of Palmetto Bay. 

A military flyover has been approved and is anticipated to take place between 10:30 and 11:30. 

I make no guarantees about the flyover and precise time, but I suggest that you find a clear spot to view it between 11:00 and 11:15 .

AMERICAN LEGION, MARLIN MOORE POST 133, Palmetto Bay

The American Legion, Post 133 is hosting an Independence Day BBQ beginning at noon on July 4th. Members of the post will be serving Burgers, Hot Dogs and sides for lunch. 

Stop by in between other local events and say hi to your friends at the Legion!

Post 133 is located at 16401 SW 90th Ave, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.

The members of the American Legion would like to continue to serve all of us.  Please stop by and share some 4th of July holiday spirit with our veterans.

(CLICK HERE) to view prior blog posts relating to events at the American Legion.

MAYOR FLINN'S SPECIAL NOTE: The American Legion has been very accommodating and welcoming to our Palmetto Bay community. The membership of the American Legion has been working hard to raise money for a much needed roof.  The American Legion would appreciate donations to their building fund.  Contact me for more information, or the American Legion, Post 133, directly if you would like to donate/help.

I also want to publicly acknowledge and thank Council Member Singer and his family, along with Laurel Auberbacher, who purchase the food at their own personal expense as well as actually cook and serve breakfast every other Sunday at the American Legion (breakfast is served every Sunday), which serves as a fundraiser for the Post expenses, e.g., the building/roof fund. (CLICK HERE)

Breakfast runs in the $5-6 range. Breakfast, open to the public, runs on Sunday and is open it the public from 8:30 AM to 10 AM.

Flag Day 2018 - a patriotic day - Fly your flag. Info on the holiday with link to video

Are you up to date on flag custom; which days are appropriate to fly your flag?  The answer is every day, but there are special days when the flag should be displayed. I have chosen the Military dot Com site to provide more information on flag custom: 

UNITED STATES CODE

(Display of U.S. flag)

Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS

Sec. 174. Time and occasions for display

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable), Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.

Have a happy Flag Day. Fly it proudly.  

Eugene Flinn

Memorial Day - 2018. All patriotic members of our community are cordially invited to attend the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our departed sister and brother veterans on May 28 at Marlin Moore Post #133, 16401 SW 90th Avenue

Monday, May 28, 2018 - the day we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

We owe our peace and democracy to them. Please observe a minute of silence at 3:00pm local time to pay tribute to Americans who've died in military service.

YOU ARE INVITED - to remember Memorial Day Monday, May 28, at the American Legion Marlin Moore Post #133, Village of Palmetto Bay. All patriotic members of our community are cordially invited to attend the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony  honoring our departed sister and brother veterans on May 28 at Marlin Moore Post #133, 16401 SW 90th Avenue. 

Coffee and donuts will be served from 10:00 am.  The Ceremony will begin at 11:00 am. After the service there will be a complementary cookout. 

Please feel free to stop by and thank a veteran.

  
Visit USA.gov's Memorial Day page to learn about the origins of this federal holiday; read veterans' stories; find patriotic songs; get tips on barbecue, boating, and swimming safety; and more!Brief History:  

BRIEF HISTORY:  The first Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May. 

Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, asking Americans wherever they are to pause in an act of national unity. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom.  

The flag should be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. All people of the United States are requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary period.

__________

The Remembrance Poppy and the Poem, "In Flanders Field"

“In Flanders Fields" was written on May 3, 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrae who was a physician, poet, author, artist and soldier serving in World I. Flanders is a region of Europe that comprises parts of Belgium and France. This poem resulted in the remembrancepoppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

This poem can be found online at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

_______

Questions about how and when to properly display the US Flag? One of many online resources:http://www.afa.org/members/uscode.asp

May is National Military Appreciation Month The 6 National Observances during National Military Appreciation Month

This month is a special month to recognize our military - included is Public Service Recognition Week, May 6 - 12.

Loyalty Day

Date: Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 

About: Loyalty Day kicks off our Nation's month-long celebration of military appreciation.  It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, and to reflect on the proud heritage of our American freedom.

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW)

Date: Sunday, May 6th - Saturday, May 12th, 2018. Celebrated the first full week in May.

About: A time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees and ensure that our government is the best in the world.
Victory in Europe Day AKA V-E Day or VE Day
Date: Tuesday, May 8th, 2018

About: May 8th, 1945 is the day when Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This day marked the end of World War II in Europe.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Military spouse Jennifer Flinn w/
Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams
and Lt. Col. Walter Flinn

Date: Friday, May 11th, 2018. Traditionally set for the Friday before Mother's Day.

About: A day to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  Recognizes the important role our military families play in keeping our Armed Forces strong and our country safe.

Armed Forces Day

Date: Saturday, May 19th, 2018. Celebrated the third Saturday in May every year.

About: A single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.  This day honors everyone serving in the U.S. Military branches; Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy. There is also Armed Forces Week which typically leads up to Armed Forces Day, although it is not an official observance, many activities are planned nonetheless during the week.

Memorial Day 

Date: Monday, May 28th, 2018. A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.

About: A remembrance of our veterans.  Commemorates the men and women who died while in military service.

Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/national-military-appreciation-month/#ixzz5DmPW5ot2

Our Vets Matter. Palmetto Bay / American Legion hold 94th Birthday Breakfast Celebration for US Veteran Jim Ross

Sunday, February 25, 2018, was a great, patriotic, morning as we celebrated the 94th Birthday of US Veteran Jim Ross.

I want to thank the members of the American Legion, Marlin Moore, Post 133 who collaborated with Council Member David Singer and the entire Village Council to hold a special birthday celebration for Jim Ross, a veteran who served our country on his 94th birthday.

It was my honor as Mayor to present a proclamation to him recognizing Sunday, February 25, 2018, as "US Veteran Jim Ross Day in honor of his 94th Birthday" - as our way of officially thanking and recognizing his outstanding achievements, including service in the US Armed Forces in time of War.

It was in honor of Veteran Ross that the Village sponsored the cost of the Sunday, 2/25 breakfast for the first 30 veterans who reside in Palmetto Bay in attendance. This was a small gesture of thanks given their service to our country.

 

I also want to publicly acknowledge and thank Council Member Singer and his family (along with Laurel Auberbacher, who prepare breakfast at every other Sunday at the American Legion (breakfast is served every Sunday), which serves as a fund raider for the Post expenses.  

Breakfast runs in the $5-6 range. Breakfast, open to the public, runs on Sunday and is open it the public from 8:30 AM to 10 AM.   

Please take the time to go our, enjoy a local breakfast and support our American Legion.