The Flag Keeper By Stacy Juba

With Flag Day on June 14 and the Fourth of July on the horizon, this is the perfect time for parents to teach their children about flag etiquette. Most kids have heard about the flag's history in school and are familiar with names like Betsy Ross, but the majority have never heard the term 'flag etiquette' - how one can pay respect to the U.S. flag. Many adults haven't learned all of this information either, and in fact, I was once uneducated about this subject myself.

My husband has always loved flags, and after we moved into our house, I encouraged him to buy a flag pole. Once we had the pole installed, I was intrigued by how he always carried the flag outside every morning and brought it inside at night. I didn’t understand why we couldn’t just leave the flag outside in the dark. He explained to me about U.S. flag etiquette and how the American flag should be brought in at night unless it’s under a spotlight. I never realized that and asked him about other aspects of U.S. flag etiquette. I found out, for example, that if your flag gets worn out, you should give it a proper retirement and get a new one. I don’t think this is something that’s taught in most schools and decided to fill a niche by writing a children’s book about it.

The end result was The Flag Keeper, an illustrated picture book which is available in paperback and in 99 cent e-book editions for Nook, Kindle, and other e-book formats. The book contains an illustrated fiction story, as well as a list of flag facts and discussion questions to help reinforce the details in children's minds.

Below, are some samples from the book and a lively, patriotic book trailer.

Page 1

Elizabeth barreled down the steps into the garage. After today, her flag would be stuck on a vacation to nowhere. She had to raise it one last time. She tripped on the stairs and landed hard on her knees. "Ouch!" "What’s your hurry?" her father asked. "The flag won’t climb the pole without you." "But the bus will be here any minute, Dad." Elizabeth grabbed the folded flag off its shelf.

Page 2

She carried it to the front yard like one of Mom’s best dishes. Her father was leaving for a business trip the next day, which meant no flag until he got home. Elizabeth couldn’t bear the sight of a naked flagpole. She woke up the flag in the morning and put it to bed at night. That had been her prized job since she was little.

Sample flag facts:

- The U.S. flag should never be used as wearing apparel, such as making a shirt from a flag. It should never be used as a costume or an athletic uniform. It is okay, however, to have a picture of a flag or a flag patch on these garments as an expression of patriotism.

- The flag should be displayed near the front of every school and government building.

- The flag should be raised quickly and lowered slowly.

Sample discussion questions:

1. Why didn’t Elizabeth’s dad want to keep the flag out all night while he was gone?

2. Why was Elizabeth upset when the flag touched the ground?

3. Why was the police officer worried when he noticed an upside-down flag?

Book Trailer:

It is available on Amazon HERE.

For a full listing of on-line retailers, you can visit Stacy's Blog and you can also visit the website for the book for more information.