Page 10 - TFRW PNL Feb 2018

Inspire. Unite. Achieve.

AMERICANISM

February 2018

Fly the Flag

February 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
February 19 President’s Day (George Washington’s Birthday Observed)

Saluting the Flag
Throughout the World and America | The flag is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Whenever members of the
armed services and veterans are in the presence of presenting the colors, they are to stand at attention and use
a military salute. All others stand with their hand over their heart. During the National Anthem and the Pledge of
Allegiance, the salute is maintained from the first note to the last note, from the first word to the last word. During
parades, recessionals, and events with a flag, a salute is held until the flag has passed.

Ships Passing Washington’s Tomb | Whenever a naval ship passes Mount Vernon, Virginia, between sunrise and
sunset, the full guard and band shall be paraded, the bell tolled and the national ensign half-masted as the ship
passes the tomb. The persons on deck must salute as they face in the direction of the tomb, and Taps is sounded.
After Taps is sounded, the national anthem is played, and after its completion “Carry On” is sounded.
Definition of Taps and Military Tattoo | The definition of tattoo which became the precursor of Taps is attributed
to the early 17th century Dutch phrase which signaled the innkeepers to turn off the taps and end the serving of
beer and return to the barracks. This Dutch phrase was signaled by drummers or trumpeters (doe den tap toe) or
(turn off the tap). Military Tattoo is celebrated each year on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in the month of
August. There are bands of bag pipers and drummers from six continents. One of the most memorable moments
is to see and hear the bugler stand in the Turret in the dark with a light shining on him as he plays. The word “taps’
is an alliteration of that original phrase “tap toe.” Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield changed the infantry
call for the end of the day from the French “L’Extinction Des Feux,” or “lights out,” to what is now known as Taps.
He hummed this 24-note bugle call to his bugler and ordered him to play Taps at the end of each day. The other
brigades heard it and asked for copies, and Taps became the official bugle call.

Special Dates and Holidays

February 1 National Freedom Day

February 2 Groundhog Day

February 8 Boy Scouts of America Founders Day (1910)
February 13 Mardi Gras and Shrove Tuesday (7th week before Easter)

February 14 Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day

February 22 George Washington’s Birthday
Quote for the Month:

“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”
~ George Washington

June Rentmeester and Jeannee O’Neill | Americanism Co-Chairmen

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2018 10 TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN