Some of us were in military service units that proudly proclaim: Anywhere, Anytime, Anyway. Most of the time this is in reference to land, sea or air. The American Indian Warriors Color Guard is being recognized for responsibly representing the needs of our Indian community when and where it is called upon.
Another aspect of military service is the inevitable hurry up and wait. Continued experience and age has taught us. The Indian way is not always easy but it is all-good. Sometimes you have to recognize and enjoy our mission and not dwell on the negativity! It is so easy to criticize and not execute our duty respectfully.
WHAT IS THE ORDER
FOR PRECEDENCE FOR DISPLAY OF TRIBAL OR STATE FLAGS?
Tribal flags and Eagle feather staff are given the same respect as the
National flag. It is a fact that Tribal sovereignty and the ruling of
the US Supreme court declares Indian reservations are NOT under state
jurisdiction. Therefore, State flags are normally displayed in the order
of admittance to the State of the Union. However, they may be displayed
in alphabetical order.
How far in front
of the: Emcee, Facing East, Audience of Elders, Honor Company or flag
posting location do the colors halt?
Ten steps
DISPLAY OF THE POW/MIA FLAG. Display of this flag is covered by Section 902, Title 36 of the United States Code. The POW/MIA flag should be flown beneath the flag of the United States, if displayed on the same pole. The US Code does not address display of the POW/MIA flag with organizational flags. The order of display would therefore be at the discretion of the organization.
What is the primary
value of ceremony?
To render honors, preserve tradition, and to stimulate Esprit de Corps
The Honor Color
Guard must be clear as to actions and commands: designate who will be
responsible to give commands.
(1) Give
the name of the movement.
(2) Give the
practical use for the movement.
(3) Give the
command(s) for the movement and explain its elements: the preparatory
command and the command of execution. He must also discuss the command(s)
necessary to terminate the movement. (Supplementary commands are discussed
where appropriate in the explanations.)
What is a rank?
A line, which is only one element in depth
What foot is your
leading foot?
Your left foot
When is the command
Right Turn or Left Turn March used?
When marching elements of more than 4 columns abreast
The display of our American Flag is governed by law to ensure that it will be treated with the respect due the symbol of a great nation. Public Law 829, enacted by the 77th Congress on June 14, 1923, sets forth rules for the display and care of the Stars and Stripes, and prescribes penalties for violations. Some of the rules most useful off Tribal land are:
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The American Flag should be
placed in the center, and higher, when displayed with a group of state,
local, or organizational flags flown from staffs. It may also be positioned
to the right of other flags (if you were to hold the flag while facing
your audience, your right side would be the flag's own right). When flown from a staff on a speaker's platform, the flag should be placed on the speaker's right. If placed elsewhere than on the platform, it should be to the right of the audience as they face the platform. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly with dignity. The flag should never be allowed to touch anything beneath it, nor should it ever be carried flat or horizontally—always aloft and free. Never use the flag as a cover or place anything on top of it. No disrespect of any kind should be shown to the flag of the United States. It should be kept clean. When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute. When you display the flag on a wall or in a window where people see it from the street, it should be displayed flat with the blue part at the top and on the flag's own right (which is the observer's left). When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. When displayed after dark, the flag should be illuminated. |
The “Flag Song” and Victory or Veterans Warrior songs have their earliest origins during the period when some Indian Nations would honor the Eagle feather staffs of leaders from different other bands of Indian Nations. We too must be respectful and flexible when invited to be Color Guard on Tribal land.
WHAT GOVERNS THE NATIONAL FLAG? Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code governs the use/display of the National Flag for federal agencies and provides guidance for others. It should be noted that each state Attorney General has the responsibility to set flag policy, including the National flag, for their respective states.
Traditional Standards of Respect and Flags
Flags are almost as old as civilization itself.
Most all Native American Indian Peoples attach special significance to the Eagle and its feathers. Images of eagles and their feathers are used on many tribal logos as symbols of the Native American Indian. To be given an Eagle feather is the highest honor that can be awarded within indigenous cultures.
Both Bald and Golden Eagles (and their feathers) are highly revered and considered sacred within American Indian traditions, culture and religion. They are honored with great care and shown the deepest respect. They represent honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, power and freedom. As they roam the sky, they are believed to have a special connection to God.
According to traditional American Indian beliefs, the Creator made all the birds of the sky when the World was new. Of all the birds, the Creator chose the Eagle to be the leader... the Master of the Sky.
The Eagle flies higher and sees better than any other bird. Therefore, its perspective is different from other creations that are held close to the Earth, and it is closer to the Creator. The Creator also has a different perspective of what occurs below in this world of physical things in which humankind resides. The Eagle spends more time in the higher element of Father Sky than other birds, and Father Sky is an element of the Spirit.
The Eagle is considered to be a messenger to God. It was given the honor of carrying the prayers of man between the World of Earth and the World of Spirit, where the Creator and grandfathers reside. To wear or hold an Eagle feather causes the Creator to take immediate notice. With the Eagle feather, the Creator is honored in the highest way.
The wings of an Eagle represent the balance needed between male and female, each one dependent upon the strengths and abilities of the other.
When one receives an Eagle feather, that person is being acknowledged with gratitude, love and ultimate respect.
The flags carried by Color-bearing units are called the national and organizational colors. Because of the importance and visibility of the task, it is an honor to be a member of the Color guard. The detail may consist of three to eight soldiers, usually NCOs. The senior (Color) sergeant carries the National Color and commands the Color guard unless a person is designated as the Color sergeant. The Color sergeant gives the necessary commands for the movements and for rendering honors. The most important aspect of the selection, training and performance of the Color guard is the training. Training requires precision in drills, manual of arms, customs and courtesies and wear and appearance of uniforms and insignia.
WHAT IS THE GOLD STAR MOTHER’S FLAG? This flag is an unofficial term referring to the gold star version of the Service Flag.
HOW DO I OBTAIN FORMER SERVICEMEMBER’S MEDALS? You should contact the National Archives and Records Administration. Their website is http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records.html