Flags to Half Staff From Sunrise to Noon on Monday

Did you know that on Memorial Day you're only supposed to fly the flag at half mast until noon?  After noon, raise the flag to full staff.  I must confess that I wasn't aware of this little detail until today.  You can confirm it for yourself by checking out section 7M of the Flag Code (U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1).


Matt Knowlan of the American Flagpole and Flag Co. says:

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:

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 "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played;
by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Enjoy a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

Time to Bark for our Park Again!

Last year Westfield, Indiana was a finalist for a $100,000 grant from PetSafe but we ultimately didn't win.  We're trying for it again this year.  If you'd like to see Westfield build its very own dog park, please vote at both of the web sites each day.  The more votes, the more likely we win the grant.  We are competing against cities all over the country for this, so it's important to get online and vote every day.  We'd love to build this park and use grant money to do it.  You can vote by clicking on the links below.  Remember to vote every day until June 15.  Twice if you're on Facebook.  Thanks.

www.petsafe.net

www.facebook.com/petsafebrand

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

"The Westfield Grand" Half Marathon on October 6

Save the date!  The Westfield Rotary Club is organizing the first annual Westfield Grand Half Marathon to be run in Westfield, Indiana on October 6, 2012.

The event will include a half marathon run and a 5K family fun run/walk.  In addition--drum roll, please-- there will be a speed skating marathon and half marathon.  Yes, you read it right--speed skating on the roads of Westfield.  This unique aspect of our event has garnered a lot of attention and we hope to have a sizeable field entered in the speed skating races.  And, yes . . . quad skates are allowed.  We just ask that any members of the Naptown Roller Girls refrain from hip checking the competition.

The races will start and finish at the Monon Trails Elementary School near Westfield's Grand Park, currently under construction.  The course consists of flat, rural roads in northwest Washington Township.

Several Rotarians were at the Indianapolis Mini Marathon Expo on the days preceding the Mini Marathon marketing our event to participants of the Mini Marathon.  It's amazing how many Westfield residents we talked to there picking up their race packets!  In fact, my very unofficial and unscientific survey indicated that the City of Westfield had the most participants in the Mini of any other community (at least that's how it seemed).

Rotarians Dave Duba (l) and Jeff Dickison (r) hand out race info.

Registration is now open.  The cost is $25 for the 5K and $50 for all the other races.  All the proceeds go to support the Westfield Rotary Club and its various community and international service projects.  

For more information and to sign up online, please visit our website at www.thewestfieldgrand.com.

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

Flags at Half Mast Today for Peace Officers Memorial Day

I don't know about you, but I'm always curious when I see flags flying at half mast.  Sometimes I can readily identify who we are mourning based on current events.  However, more often than not, I really have no idea why the flags have been lowered and I wish there was some easy way to find out.

You may have noticed that flags in Westfield are flying at half mast (or half staff) today, Tuesday, May 15, 2012.  In fact, flags should be at half mast throughout the country today because the president has proclaimed today to be Peace Officers Memorial Day.

By a joint resolution of Congress approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103 322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136 137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."

From the president's proclamation:

"Every day, public safety officers work tirelessly to protect our citizens, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods safe. They report for duty knowing full well the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make. This week, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery, and we remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more just society.

 

We owe a profound debt to all those who have worn the badge, and to the families whose care enables them to serve with courage and pride. When the unthinkable happens and officers give their lives or are seriously injured in the line of duty, we have an obligation to give their loved ones the support they deserve. During Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we recall the selflessness of our law enforcement officers and their families, and we honor all those who devote their lives to forging a stronger, safer America. Let us reflect on their invaluable contributions as we enjoy the peace they bring to our communities, and let us vow that their service will never be taken for granted." 

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

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