PROTOCOL FOR MEETINGS AND ESA FUNCTIONS

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The INDEX:
Protocol is an important aspect of our association. This page will give a variety of methods and procedures to help organize the meetings of ESA. Access the specified protocol by clicking on the Title. A return is available for a quick return to the Index. Any ESA member is welcome to contribute to the Protocol page placed on-line. Contact the Webmaster to make your contribution.

	FLAG PROTOCOL FOR MEETINGS This Flag protocol is adopted by the IC Executive Board for use	ALL FAITHS FLAG PROTOCOL


	THE AMERICAN FLAG What it means when folding the American flag	To Be ADDed xxxxxxxxxxx

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FLAG PROTOCOL FOR MEETINGS

FLAG PROTOCOL (ESA Flag Protocol adopted by the International Council Executive Board, February, 18, 1999)

The following information is taken from the United States Code and is the only AUTHORITY for the display and use of the American Flag. This can be located in the United States Code Service, Title 36, and Sections 173 through 178. There are times when Amendments to this code are made; therefore, this code should be occasionally reviewed. The Code may be found in your public library and university libraries.

"When used on a speaker platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the US. Flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he/she faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience."

"No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory, etc."

The code further states that flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies should be to the left of the Flag of the United States and the right of the audience. In as much as there is no flag code for ESA and the flags that are used, it appears that the precedent already established is in order.

"When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs the same height. The flags should be of approximate equal size. International usage forbids that display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."

The following Is based on an International Council presentation and can be adapted to Regional and State, ceremonies. With the Audience facing the stage Place the flags accordingly:

U.S Flag/Australian are to the left of the PODIUM
(with the podium in the center of the staging
To the right of the podium place the Host State Flag
IC Pres. State Flag
Flag of All Faiths
ESA Flag
Multi-State Council Flag (If one is used)
ESA Foundation Flag
(Other flags at the discretion of the Presenter)

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ALL FAITHS FLAG

All-Faith’s Flag: Please be mindful that we are not an organization with a religious affiliation but we do respect religions of all faiths. We have many different religions represented in our organization’s membership. We must respect them all. Each state should post an “All Faiths Flag” if they choose to recognize religion in their flag ceremonies. To single out the Christian faith as the sole religion of our membership is not politically correct.

If your state does not have an All Faiths Flag, one can be obtained through the merchandise of the ESA Foundation.

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THE AMERICAN FLAG
What folding the flag means.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute actually stands for the sum of the numbers in 1776? The honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American Flag 13 times and it does not symbolize the original 13 colonies as you might have thought, but the following:

First Fold – of our flag is a symbol of life.

Second Fold – is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

Third Fold – is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense or our country to attain peace throughout the world.

Fourth Fold – represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

Fifth Fold – is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

Sixth Fold – Is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hand over our hearts that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United State of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

Seventh Fold – is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are foreign or domestic.

Eight Fold – is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

Ninth Fold – is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

Tenth fold – is a tribute to the fathers, for they too have sacrificed their sons and daughters in the defense of our country.

Eleventh Fold - represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Twelfth Fold – represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Thirteenth Fold – for when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our nation’s motto “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates through generations of men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States – preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. (FYI – they quit teaching this in the public schools in 1955.)

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