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Veterans' Corner Be Proud Of Your Flag By SFC Bernie Wright, Chapel Lakes Branch Members of the APWU . . . I am writing to you about a subject close to my heart: respect of the American flag. I ask you to think of this as you display OUR flag at home and in your offices. First, the flag should be taken down each night unless it is lighted at night. I have seen the flag flown upside down. It is not something I like to remember. Seeing the flag flown correctly with a light shining upward is a beautiful, fulfilling, and proud sight. I am most concerned about the way the flag is being taken down in our offices. The flag is being left to be raised the next morning in a wrinkled mess. I heard that it is also being stuffed into boxes. If you do not know how to fold a flag properly, in the military style, ask a veteran. They will show you. Actually, I'm very surprised about the conditions of the flags since most of the offices have flags raised by custodians which are mostly veterans. My veteran brothers, these are insults to you and to what our ancestors have fought hard for . . . blood, sweat and tears. We get upset when other countries burn and trash our flag. When this happens we are all ready to fight for dignity and respect that we know we deserve. What's the difference with the way WE have treated the American flag. In addition, when you fly the flag at half-staff, you should take the flag to the top of the pole first and then lower the flag to the half-staff position. When you take the flag down at night, you should take the flag to the peak before it's lowered for the day. HOW TO FOLD THE FLAG: Fold the flag in half width-wise twice. Fold a triange, starting at the striped end. . . and repeat. . . until only the end of the union is exposed. Then fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the folds. Military Leave/ USPS Q. How much military leave is granted to employees? A. Full time employees are granted 15 days. Part time employees can earn one hour of military leave for each 26 hours. Q. Are employees required to provide military orders prior to leaving for military duty? A. No, however, they must furnish their specific military orders upon return to duty. Q. Is management required to allow an employee time off to serve as a member of Reserve or National Guard? A. Yes. Absences for service to the National Guard and Reserves are approved for any employee who is a member of either organization. Q. Can military leave be used intermittently? A. Yes. It can also be used in conjunction with other types of leave. |
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