'Old Glory' history and etiquette

Greg Carpenter: "What is that which the breeze . . .?"

Greg Carpenter told Putnam Rotarians today that the American flag deserves respect as if it were a living, breathing entity. As an icon of America, it represents all of us who are American citizens.

Accordingly, etiquette toward the flag should follow the same pattern as rules of respect among people.

The flag should always be displayed on the left side, the place of highest honor, as you face a podium. Or as you face the front of a building.

Some of his regard for the flag may have come from a stint in the U. S. Navy. Or it may simply be a matter of patriotic pride we should all feel as American citizens.

Carpenter told in graphic detail about a time in the War of 1812 when the United States was a newcomer in the international community, and the British were trying to split the country by an invasion at the head of the Chesapeake.

Ft. McHenry at the mouth of Baltimore harbor guarded the doorway to the interior.

A Maryland lawyer witnessed a British naval bombardment of the fort through the dark night of September 14, 1814.

The shelling ceased toward morning, and he gazed through the early dawn mists to see whether the American flag was still flying over the fort.

He wrote a poem about this climactic moment which he titled "Defence of Ft. McHenry."

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

The poem was set to the music of a popular English drinking song, and became by Congressional resolution in 1931 our official national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Carpenter's interest in the flag has carried over into his professional life: He is president of Majesty Flags, a West Virginia business located in Charleston.