POW/MIA Recognition Day

September 19, 2014September 19, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 2 Comments

POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the 3rd Friday of September each year. We remember those who were Prisoners of War (POW) and those that are Missing in Action (MIA) along with their families. In 1970, the National League of POW/MIA Families asked that a Flag of remembrance and recognition of POW/MIA designed that the United States promise to Never Forget POW’s and those that are still missing or not accounted for.

Newt Heisley designed the POW/MIA Flag with the silhouette of his son in mind, the flag bears a white disc in a black silhouette, a watch tower with a guard on patrol and a strand of barb wire, with white letters POW and MIA with a white 5 point star in between. “You Are Not Forgotten” written in white. There is no trademark or copyright for this because it is used not for profit but for awareness.

On March 9, 1989, the White House flew this Flag on National POW/MIA Day. The League of POW/MIA Flag is the only flag ever displayed in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Since 1982, the POW/MIA Flag is the only other Flag ever to fly over the White House (besides Old Glory) to be a constant reminder of America’s POW/MIA’s from ALL wars including our present time.

Passage by the 105th Congress of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act required that the League’s POW/MIA flag fly six days each year: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day. It must be displayed at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs, the headquarters of the Selective Service System, major military installations as designated by the Secretary of the Defense, all Federal cemeteries and all offices of the U.S. Postal Service. In addition to the specific dates stipulated, the Department of Veterans Affairs voluntarily displays our POW/MIA flag 24/7. The National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial are now also required by law to display the POW/MIA flag daily, and most State Capitols have adopted similar laws, as have local governments nationwide.

This year we will be attending The Wall South POW/MIA Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park here in Pensacola, Fl. I do not know what to expect but I will be there in support and sending my Prayers and thoughts. Today give a moment of silence to those POW/MIA’s. Fly your POW/MIA Flag.

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

**Jacquie

United States Air Force

September 18, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Today the United States Air Force turns 67 years old. Under the National Security Act of 1947 signed on September 18 aboard President Harry S. Truman’s VC-54C presidential transport (the forerunner to the Air Force One), this Act re-structured the military’s agencies after WWII, creating the Department of the Air Force. This is the most recent, largest, most technologically advanced Air Force in the world. In 1907, the War Department the first preceding Air Force. In WWII almost 68,000 US Airmen died helping win the war. Before 1947 Air Defense was shared between the Department of Army for land based operations, The Navy for sea-based operations from aircraft carriers and amphibious air craft and The Marine Corps for close air support for infantry operations.

In general the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both combat and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war. National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 502)

The USAF core functions today are Nuclear Deference Operations, Special Operations, Air Superiority, Global Integrated ISR, Space Superiority, Command & Control, Cyberspace Superiority, Personal Recovery, Global Precision Attack, Building Partnerships, Rapid Global Mobility and Agile Combat Support. A very long list I had no idea the Air Force did to maintain our National defense until researching their Birthday.

67 years does not seem to be a long time, considering we have only been using air craft to support ground troops since The Korean War. My daddy was in the Air Force during the late 50’s- early 60’s. Daddy was a diesel mechanic and worked on planes. He was stationed mainly in the Azores and then at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan where he met and married my momma. My daddy passed away in 2010 and there is not a day that passes that I do not miss him. He was a GREAT story teller. So to all of our Airmen, past, present and future:

Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun

**Jacquie

Fall Signals

September 15, 2014September 5, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 1 Comment

Falling Leaves, Falling Temps Signal Fall with our Harvest Scarecrow.

Scarecrow Sam is just the right touch for fall at your home or place of business. He’d love to preside over your garden! Who can resist this adorable scarecrow ready and waiting to celebrate harvest and Halloween? He comes in several sizes with a matching mailbox cover for full curbside appeal. The perky sunflower adds final whimsy!

At the United States Flag Store, in our decorative flag collection we have the perfect October selection to decorate your home and garden for the season. Browse our site for other fall selections from our decorative banners and flags.

All our flag products feature vibrant color and high quality construction. Look in our fall collection to select this scarecrow or another among many choices. Made of weather resistant polyester, this product is intended for outdoor display.

~AH

September 11, 2001

September 10, 2014September 10, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 2 Comments

I try to write a factual history when I blog. Today I cannot give you statistics and facts. Because today is about what you feel as an AMERICAN. It is what you feel to live in the United States. It is about thankfulness for being born in the greatest country in this world. This day is for REMEMBRANCE for the simple people that became HEROES 13 years ago – 13 years that we have been remembering, honoring and continue to fight for our great Nation.

I remember every moment of the day of the attacks. I was at work and my girls were in school, 30 miles away. Can you tell me your reaction, thoughts and feelings? I bet you can remember every little thing you felt. How scared you were. How you just wanted to be with your family in that moment of crisis. As the day wore on and news came over the radio and television we saw our First Responders, our Firefighters, EMT’s and Police Departments do what they do best: come to the aid of those in need.

I am reiterating this oath so you may read what our forefathers gave us in the 1860‘s: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. (www.senate.gov)

Take some time, whether it be a time of silence, prayer, thanking someone that goes out in a uniform everyday or flying your flag. Honor Old Glory today! God Bless America. Noble eagle. Enduring freedom. Remember September 11, 2001.

Proud American,

Jacquie

Southeastern Conference

September 2, 2014December 23, 2022 ~ Online Stores ~ 2 Comments

College Football, here in the South is a religion. The SEC, Southeastern Conference is made up of 14 of the best teams in this whole US of A. Depending on which state you live in, what school you are closest to, what family affiliation, where you attended or who you admire the most, being a Fan of one of the SEC teams starts when you are a toddler and never, ever goes away! The SEC is a NCAA Division 1-A class and was established in December of 1932. Now back when it started there were 13 teams from that 13 10 of the original remain. University of Alabama (Crimson Tide) 1831, University of Florida (Gators) 1853, University of Georgia (Bulldogs) 1785, University of Kentucky (Wildcats) 1865, University of Mississippi (Rebels) 1848, University of Tennessee (Volunteers) 1794, Auburn University (Tigers) 1856, Louisiana University (Tigers) 1860, Mississippi State University (Bulldogs) 1878 and Vanderbilt University (Commodores) 1873. I grew up here in the panhandle of Florida and friends and family are so diverse in who there favorite team is, it can and has divided friendships and family!

The RIVALRIES are bar none some of the greatest grudge matches you have ever seen! This is what makes the SEC the greatest! Here is a list of the BEST: Alabama vs Auburn (Iron Bowl), Alabama vs Tennessee (3rd Saturday in October), Arkansas vs Louisiana State University (Battle of the Golden Boot), Auburn vs Georgia (Deep South Oldest Rival) Florida vs Georgia (World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party), and Mississippi State vs University of Mississippi (Egg Bowl).

Did you see that Alabama is on the list twice? YEP, Bama, The Thin Red Line, Crimson Tide, Roll Tide Roll! Even the song, Yea Alabama ends: So roll on to victory, Hit your stride, You’re Dixie’s football pride, Crimson Tide, Roll Tide, Roll Tide!! And least we ever forget Paul (Bear) Bryant the GREATEST college football coach to ever live. Ok y’all, I am a Alabama FANATIC. You can have your Big 10, Big 12, ACC, or so on, give me the SEC!

Don’t get me wrong we follow all college football mainly to see who we will play in division playoffs. Here at United States Flag Store we carry the whole line of College Flags, Banners and Car Flags. College Football season started over the weekend so get your Pride on and fly your favorite colors, be they Crimson and White, Black and Red, Blue and Orange or Blue and Red. Oh by the way Bama beat West Virginia on Saturday!

Roll Tide Roll

~Jacquie

Editor’s note: hailing from, and living in, Pittsburgh, this article seems heretical to me. However, as they are ACC vs. SEC, I will leave this post in its entirety, with a disclaimer: the views and opinions of the above writer do not necessary reflect the opinions of this blog. 🙂 Go, Pitt Panthers!

Semper Fi

August 28, 2014August 27, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

“Old breed?, New breed?, There’s not a damn bit of difference so long as it’s the MARINE breed!” Chesty Puller, USMC.

August 29th marks the 98th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Congress passed the Naval Appropriations Act on this day in 1916. This Act is in charge of providing trained units to be mobilized for Active Duty in time of war or National Security. It is the largest command in the United States Marine Corp.

Today’s Reservist enlists for an 8 year term. The Reservist have to pass the ASVAB (Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery) which is a written test to determine qualifications in all the Armed Services. Each Reservist must pass Recruit Training (boot camp). This is a 13-week program that is set to the highest standards both physically and mentally. After graduation, Reservists go on to the 2nd phase of SOI (School of Infantry). But if your job is not infantry then you go onto MCT (Marine Combat Training).

For Reservist it is off to home. They will train one weekend a month and two weeks out of the year. I do not make light of this; Reservist are held to the very high standards of every Marine. Reservist are critical to the overall combat readiness the Marine Corp demands.

USMCR are vital to the community. Remember that little program called Toys For Tots? This was thought up back in 1947 by a Reservist and his wife in Los Angeles. Toys For Tots grew by huge degrees and in 1991 Secretary of Defense authorized the non-profit affiliation. Come October through December of every year the USMCR collect new toys for distribution at Christmas time. They also have a website that you may donate: http://www.toysfortots.org/default.aspx

I am partial to the Marines because HONEY is a Marine Vet. And I don’t know a woman, 8 to 80 that does not stop to eye a Marine in his dress Blues!

Semper Fi

OORAH!

~Jacquie

August Flag Trivia

August 25, 2014August 25, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Three States ceded into the Union in the month of August throughout our history. Missouri was the first on August 10, 1821. It was the 24th State and that brought our National Flag to 24 stars and its design was 3 rows of 6 stars with alternating red and white stripe. Then came Colorado on August 1, 1876. It was the 38th State and the 38 stared Flag was 5 rows of alternating 8 in a row and 6 in a row. On August 21, 1959 Hawaii became the 50th State to join the Union. The individual State Flags can be found on the United States Flag S tore for a great low price.

Our 50 star Flag has a unique story that I would like to share because the adding of the 50th Star was done by a High School Senior. It was designed by Robert Heft, a 17 year old that was doing a history project. He took a 48 star Flag and measured out 100 stars on the blue section. Now this was back in 1959 and Alaska had just been admitted into the Union and this young man was pretty forward thinking. So he sewed the stars on with anticipation of Hawaii becoming a State. He turned his project in to his teacher Stanley Pratt. Well Pratt was not too impressed and Heft only received a B-. Heft, thinking ahead as usual argued his point that there would be 50 states in the future. Pratt told him if he could get Congress to accept his design he would change his grade to an A. Heft then sent the Flag to Congressman Walter Henry Moeller (Ohio) until we needed a 50 Star Flag. By August of 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation to add Hawaii to the Union.

Congressman Moeller brought Heft’s Flag to the design committee where President Eisenhower himself choose Hefts’ design out of over 1500 others to choose from to become our National symbol. On July 4th, 1960, Bob Heft stood with President Eisenhower to watch the first 50 Star National Flag be raised. The 50 Star Flag has flown over the United States for 54 years now. What an accomplishment for a young man of only 17 years old. Mr. Heft passed away on December 12, 2009. You may hear Bob’s story in his own words on Story Corps at http://storycorps.org/listen/bob-heft/

Just to let you know Bob did finally get his “A” on his history project!

~Jacquie

New Unofficial 51-Star American Flag Now Available from Online Stores, Inc.

August 21, 2014August 21, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

New Stanton, PA – 22 August 2014 – At the request of customers from Puerto Rico, Online Stores has produced the first commercially available 51-star American flag, symbolizing the possible conversion of Puerto Rico from a US Territory into US state. Social media followers of the US Flag Store, the flag division of Online Stores, offered their thanks and support when the flag was announced. American made of weather-resistant nylon in the popular 3’x5’ size, the flag retails for $23.95 and is available for purchase online at the OnlineStores.com using this direct link. http://www.onlinestores.com/51-star-american-flag-3ftx5ft-sewn-nylon.html. The flag is of course not an official US flag yet as it has not been adopted by Congress.

Jorge, a customer of Online Stores, Inc. said, “As a proud American citizen and a native of Puerto Rico, I would like to see my island as the 51^st State of the Union. After 519 years first as a US colony and then as a US territory, the people of Puerto Rico demand equality so we can enjoy the full rights, obligations, and responsibility of the continental US. I will be flying your 51-star flag.” Says Cheo, “I currently live in Texas. This flag will be the symbol for the more than 3 million supporters for PR statehood. I will personally fly and display this flag at home as well as pro-statehood meetings.”

Earlier this year, Puerto Rico took a step towards being the 51^st state with the introduction of the Puerto Rico Status Resolution Act into the Senate. This bill requires a binding referendum to be held in Puerto Rico asking whether the territory wants to be admitted as a state. The majority have already voted to become a state. (huffingtonpost.com)

Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States, that recognizes the United States President as authority. The US controls their currency, military, law, postal system, and Social Security. (welcome.topuertorico.org).

Online Stores, Inc. is a privately held American e-commerce business and a top 500 retailer, based in New Stanton, PA. The company operates several web sites including Onlinestores.com, EnglishTeaStore.com, ConstructionGear.com, Toysplash.com, United-States-Flag.com and DiscountsafetyGear.com. Online Stores serves over 500,000 customers every year.

Play Date

August 19, 2014August 19, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 1 Comment

Two little girls, a few dolls, and a wonderful playhouse = a whole lot of fun! Every little girl dreams. Just about any little girl would LOVE this playhouse in her backyard!

There’s just one thing missing but don’t worry! The US Flag Store can fix it! We have darling little garden flags. Several in our fall line are just the thing for this playhouse!

Each garden flag by BreezeArt® measures 12.5” x 18”. Individual metal stands that go into the ground or mount on the wall of the house beside the front door are also available. Pair it with a matching banner (28” x 40”) and mailbox cover for the big house!

National Airborne Day

August 15, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

August 16, 1940 is the first established Army Parachute jump. In August of 2002, President George W. Bush put forth the proclamation for August 16th to honor the Airborne Forces, annually.

The idea of men jumping out of planes was not a new one, it was tossed just after World War I by General William (Billy) Mitchell. The General tested this out in San Antonio, Texas as a demonstration. Although the jump went well, the theory did not catch on here in America. During World War II, Germany started to use paratroopers in 1940 to quickly invade and surprise the enemy behind their own resistance. Triggered by the success Germany’s Fallschirmjäger , the US Military branches began a full-scale production to develop this type of warfare. In April of 1940, the War Department approved a test platoon of Airborne Infantry under the Army’s Infantry Board, this was set up at Fort Benning 29th Regiment.

In July of 1940, First Lieutenant William T. Ryder volunteered and was designated the Platoon Leader. Because of the rigid physical and health standards set, only 48 were elected out of 200 volunteers. Lieutenant Colonel William C. Lee, a staff officer for the Chief of Infantry, was intently interested in the test platoon. He recommended that the men be moved to the Safe Parachute Company at Hightstown, NJ for training on the parachute drop towers used during the New York World’s Fair. Eighteen days after organization, the platoon was moved to New Jersey and trained for one week on the 250-foot free towers.(http://freepages.military.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~douglas/Creeds_Histories/abnhistory.html)

Because the towers worked so well the Army purchased brought them to Fort Benning. In less than 45 days, on August 16, 1940, out of a Douglas B-18 over Lawson Field the first drop was held. Out of these 48 men, they held a lottery to see who would go after Lieutenant Ryder and Private William N. (Red) King. On August 29, 1940, the platoon made the first mass jump in the United States. Less than 45 days it took these dedicated men to be ready for their first jump. That is crazy-brave.

The traditional paratrooper cry “GERONIMO” was originated in the 501st by Private Aubrey Eberhart to prove to a friend that he had full control of his faculties when he jumped. That cry was adopted by the 501st and has been often used by paratroopers since then.

The First all black 555 Parachute Infantry Company is remembered as the Triple Nickel. Another landmark is in December 1973, when Privates Joyce Kutsch and Rita Johnson became the first women to graduate from the Basic Airborne Course.

**Jacquie