American Flag Etiquette

Saluting the Flag

Whenever the flag passes by, as in a parade, U.S. citizens pay it their respects by standing at attention and placing the right hand over the heart. Men remove their hats and hold them, in their right hands, over their hearts. This rule also applies to women wearing sports caps.  Hats and tiaras of other sorts should remain upon a lady's head.

While citizens of other countries are not expected to salute the U.S. flag, sing our national anthem, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance, it is respectful for them to stand quietly while the flag passes, the anthem is sung, or the pledge is recited.


The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem

Congressional Act 36 USC 301 addresses the behavoir of all US Citizens during the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem.  When saying the pledge of allegiance, people of all ages are expected to stand at attention, face the flag, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart. Men should remove their hats, and women any sports caps.

Everyone, even very young children, should rise, remain standing, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner—first note to last.  It's ok if you don't sing, with it's extreme range the anthem isn't easy to sing.  However, if you chose not join in song you must stand quietly until  "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave" has rung out and the music ends.

Wearing the Flag
 
According to Section 8d of the United States Flag Code, it is prohibited to wear the flag as an article of clothing.  You should not wear the flag in any form of clothing. That means a shirt styled to look like the flag, or having a flag print, or to be styled as if made from a flag.  It is considered very disrespectful as the clothes encounter daily wear, stains and are then eventually thrown away.

If you must wear a flag of some sort, wear a flag pin or broach.  Such a jewel bearing the likeness of the U.S. flag should only be worn on the left lapel.


Adapted From Emily Post and The Flag Code: Proper Flag Etiquette

Flag Display Image Source: gramfeed.com via Eric on Pinterest

Simple Tips for Texting with Class

Texting is a fantastic form of communication.  "With it you can get a message to someone without causing their phone to ring at an inopportune time, ask a friend a question and let them respond at their leisure, or just shout out a quick greeting to someone without making a big deal about it." 

However that being said, there are a few text-message etiquette tips to keep in mind, especially when sending a text message in public or on behalf of your organization.

1) Don’t Text When You Wouldn’t Call
Would you call a friend to chat while in the middle of the  night, at a meeting or on a date?  If the answer is no, then you shouldn’t be texting, either.

2) Be Careful What You Text
“Don’t text-message anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing.”  There is always the possibility that people can see what you are typing, especially when sitting in rows of chairs.  In some cases, sending inappropriate content is even subject to criminal charges.  A great rule is simply not to text anything that you wouldn't want your mother to see.

3) “Remember, No One Can Judge Your Tone on a Text”
…especially people who you’ve only recently met or don't see often.  They don’t know you, or your tone as well as the people you see every day.  Also, try not to overanalyze a text, don’t read too much into them.  A lot can be missed in conversations via text.   If you ever have something really important to communicate, do it the old fashioned way, in person.

4) Don’t Always Expect an Immediate Response
Remember, it’s possible the person you are texting is unavailable and won’t be able to immediately respond.  Though texting can frequently glean instant information, don't be upset if it doesn't.  The person you're texting may not be near their phone, or could be in a location that it is inappropriate for them to respond to you.

One last note!  Those of us that are responsible for the social correspondence of an organization should never text a response to a social engagement that wasn't sent to you via text to begin with.  Don't text business matters, sad news or anything that is time critical.  Thank you notes and RSVPs should always be responded to in a matter comparative to the original event.

Do you have texting tips or questions?  Leave a comment and let us know how you get it done!




Adapted from The Date Report and Emily Post

Image Source: designmom.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Write On: Condolences and Get Well Cards

Though it is a sensitive subject for greetings and correspondence, we in Masonic Orders are frequently called upon to write messages of condolence and well wishes when something unpleasant has happened to those amongst our fraternity.  It often falls to the scribe, sweetheart or recorder to compose a friendly message of encouragement.



• A “Get Well” card is most often sent to the recipient’s home, unless they are going to be in the hospital for an extended period.  If someone is ill, make sure to verify the nature of their illness before sending a “Get Well” card.  If  the illness is incurable or terminal, such a card is highly inappropriate.

• A card which states “Thinking of You” is always a good choice when you are not entirely sure what the recipients condition is as well as when you know that it is terminal.   If you or your Chapter  are fairly close to the recipient of the well wishes is appropriate to ask if there is something you can do to help, even suggesting something specific, such as "Please let us know if we can help babysitting."

• When writing on behalf of an organization be sure to make it clear that is the case.  Using a phrase such as "The DeMolay Chapter keeps you in it's thoughts and prayers" signing your note with the Order's name beneath yours.

• Leave the humorous “Get Well” cards for personal friends and family.  In a business context, it is neither appropriate nor worth the risk of causing offense.

• Take the time to hand-sign and address the card. Printed mailing labels make the card look impersonal and that's not what well wishes should be.

• Even if the card has a pre-printed message inside, take the time to write a quick sentence by hand for a more personal and considerate touch.


Adapted from Cards Direct Card Etiquette
Image Source: stampwithheather.typepad.com via Hilary on Pinterest

The Hostess Gift

When invited to attend events as a guest of another Chapter, Bethel or Assembly it is nice to bring the hostess a small token of your thanks.  We at Sweetheart Social feel strongly that it's best to present a small, personal gift to your hostess as you arrive.  Presentations within meeting can be long and drawn out leaving attendees not involved in the exchange feeling uncomfortable. Be sure to keep gifts simple and under $20.

It is customary in some jurisdictions for presentations of elaborate gifts to be given from one organization to another at the end of significant business. If a gift of this sort is being presented from the organization you are representing, it is unnecessary to go to the additional expense of a personal gift. 

What to Give
Books or Bookmarks, CDs, personal organizers, fruit baskets, candles, picture frames, small floral arrangements, boxes of chocolate or other favorite treats are always a lovely way to recognize your hostess.  It's best to keep the gift simple and relatively inexpensive.

Overnight stay in a Private Home
When using someone's home to stay in a gift is mandatory. The longer the stay, the more expensive or elaborate the gift should be.  For example, for a weekend stay, you may decide to send flowers or bring a basket of fruit and muffins.  If you’ve stayed for three nights or more, a gift certificate to the hostess’s favorite spa or restaurant would be appropriate. 

Should you send something if you're not attending?
There’s no need to send a gift to a host or hostess if you’re not attending the event.

Adapted from Emily Post 
Source: bakerella.com via Anjali on Pinterest

Table Manner Tips for Teens

Although today's teens may face many challenges on their journey to adulthood, empowering them with good manners helps ease a smooth and successful transition into adult social and business situations. 

"Etiquette is all about learning proper social skills from how to make first impressions in interviews and during social events, to graceful dining habits that are vital signposts to success in today's very competitive business environment, " says Fiona Cameron-Williams, International Protocol Consultant to the United Nations International School in Queens, NY.

Ms. Cameron-Williams believes that table manners play an important part in making a favorable impression, be it at a business meeting, on a first date, or during a social gathering.  "They are visible signals of the state of our manners and therefore are essential to personal and professional success," she continues, "The point of etiquette rules is to make you feel comfortable - not uncomfortable."

For those of us in the world of Masonic Youth, year end banquets and formal dinner parties can be the norm.  Though efforts are always made after a business meeting to relax and have fun, it's important that we practice the basics of good manners at the table so that we can put forth a good impression.  The following table manner tips for teens are provided by Ms. Cameron-Williams during her Teen Etiquette and UN International School Etiquette Courses:

Simple table manners:

• Pass food from the left to the right. Do not stretch across the table, crossing other guests, to reach food or condiments.
• If asked for the salt or pepper, pass both together, even if a table mate asks for only one of them. This is so dinner guests won't have to search for orphaned shakers.
• Set any passed item, whether it's the salt and pepper shakers, a bread basket, or a butter plate, directly on the table instead of passing hand-to-hand.
• Never intercept a pass. Snagging a roll out of the breadbasket or taking a shake of salt when it is en route to someone else is a no-no.
• Always use serving utensils to serve yourself, not your personal silverware.

Source: atti-tude.com via Marsha on Pinterest

In a restaurant:

• As soon as you are seated, remove the napkin from your place setting, unfold it, and put it in your lap. Do not shake it open. At some very formal restaurants, the waiter may do this for the diners, but it is not inappropriate to place your own napkin in your lap, even when this is the case.
• The napkin rests on the lap till the end of the meal. Don't clean the cutlery or wipe your face with the napkin. NEVER use it to wipe your nose!
• If you excuse yourself from the table, loosely fold the napkin and place it to the left or right of your plate. Do not refold your napkin or wad it up on the table either. Never place your napkin on your chair.
• At the end of the meal, leave the napkin semi-folded at the left side of the place setting. It should not be crumpled or twisted; nor should it be folded. The napkin must also not be left on the chair.
 

 

Source: sugarandcharmblog.com via Susan on Pinterest

At a private dinner party:

• The meal begins when the host or hostess unfolds his or her napkin. This is your signal to do the same. Place your napkin on your lap, completely unfolded if it is a small luncheon napkin or in half, lengthwise, if it is a large dinner napkin. Do not shake it open.
• The napkin rests on the lap till the end of the meal. 
• The host will signal the end of the meal by placing his or her napkin on the table. Once the meal is over, you too should place your napkin neatly on the table to the left of your dinner plate. (Do not refold your napkin, but don't wad it up, either.)

Adapted from SOURCE

Manicure of the Week

My very southern grandmother always kept her nails done, she said that it's the sign of a lady.  I do my best, but being on a budget sometimes curtails my fabulous nail dreams.  However with a little time and effort every week, as well as some practice, keeping your hands neat at home can be accomplished.  Invest in some good tools, if you don't feel you can do it on your own, set up a manicure date with a friends and do each others nails!

Here's a simple "How To" we found on pinterest.

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Jenny on Pinterest