NorthStar Flags

Once I attended a seminar on cure and prevention of prostate cancer, a malignant disease that affects one in every six Americans. I found out that it is curable when diagnosed early on because a variety of treatment can be applied to prevent the spread to other organs of the body. What is really needed is an effective information campaign particularly on the symptoms once it manifests so one can immediately visit special centers for treatment.

On my way to the seminar, I saw a series of awareness banners not only outside but also inside the seminar venue. The flags were so simple, not even a word was printed on it except for a simple diagram of a ribbon in plain light blue. True to my analysis, this is a message for our fight against prostate cancer. The presence of these in strategic places will give us the impetus to be really cognizant of the fact that it exists within our midst.

Also during the seminar, participants were given pins, a diagram of a light blue ribbon which we were asked to wear to keep other people informed of the importance of submitting to medical check-ups to prevent unnecessary sufferings or even death.

There are other awareness flags that are posted on the street poles, on entrance canopies and even on blank walls, simply to remind us of the necessity.

In one of my trips to the supermarket, I saw to my amazement that a diabetes awareness flag stares at me and suddenly I feel the urge to bring my children for screening. Having been aware that diabetes not only affects the adults but the children as well.

Once I attended a seminar on cure and prevention of prostate cancer, a malignant disease that affects one in every six Americans. I found out that it is curable when diagnosed early on because a variety of treatment can be applied to prevent the spread to other organs of the body. What is really needed is an effective information campaign particularly on the symptoms once it manifests so one can immediately visit special centers for treatment.

On my way to the seminar, I saw a series of awareness banners not only outside but also inside the seminar venue. The flags were so simple, not even a word was printed on it except for a simple diagram of a ribbon in plain light blue. True to my analysis, this is a message for our fight against prostate cancer. The presence of these in strategic places will give us the impetus to be really cognizant of the fact that it exists within our midst.

Also during the seminar, participants were given pins, a diagram of a light blue ribbon which we were asked to wear to keep other people informed of the importance of submitting to medical check-ups to prevent unnecessary sufferings or even death.

There are other awareness flags that are posted on the street poles, on entrance canopies and even on blank walls, simply to remind us of the necessity.

In one of my trips to the supermarket, I saw to my amazement that a diabetes awareness flag stares at me and suddenly I feel the urge to bring my children for screening. Having been aware that diabetes not only affects the adults but the children as well.

Why do charter boat owners prefer to register their vessels outside of the United States and fly a different flag? Take note that when your vessel is registered in the US, you become subject to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) stringent regulations as mandated by the Jones Act of 1916 – an act so outdated and was used previously during the era of the robber barons.

This is not to conclude that we have far better regulations than the rest, but the fact is some have far more stringent regulations than the US. Thus abiding with the existing USCG regulations and restrictions are really expense laden for boat owners to maintain.

Where do boat owners usually register and pay their annual fees? There are only three possible locations that boat owners go for their annual registrations. One is the Cayman Islands the berthing area for most large boat charter corporations, the second is the British Virgin Islands and the third is St. Vincent. So even if you are an American, since your charter boat is registered elsewhere, you are considered a visiting charter boat operator because of the different boat flag you are using.

What boat regulation will then apply? This is totally unwise because only the regulation and restriction of your home base can be used against you, not the area where you operate. So, in this connection a move is being made worldwide for a uniform standard of safety regulation and restriction that port official can apply to all charter boat owners, regardless of what flag they fly. This will now streamline port operations, as everybody will only have a single act to follow.

If this move materializes, then the European SOLAS standards will most likely be adapted for this project.

Why do charter boat owners prefer to register their vessels outside of the United States and fly a different flag? Take note that when your vessel is registered in the US, you become subject to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) stringent regulations as mandated by the Jones Act of 1916 – an act so outdated and was used previously during the era of the robber barons.

This is not to conclude that we have far better regulations than the rest, but the fact is some have far more stringent regulations than the US. Thus abiding with the existing USCG regulations and restrictions are really expense laden for boat owners to maintain.

Where do boat owners usually register and pay their annual fees? There are only three possible locations that boat owners go for their annual registrations. One is the Cayman Islands the berthing area for most large boat charter corporations, the second is the British Virgin Islands and the third is St. Vincent. So even if you are an American, since your charter boat is registered elsewhere, you are considered a visiting charter boat operator because of the different boat flag you are using.

What boat regulation will then apply? This is totally unwise because only the regulation and restriction of your home base can be used against you, not the area where you operate. So, in this connection a move is being made worldwide for a uniform standard of safety regulation and restriction that port official can apply to all charter boat owners, regardless of what flag they fly. This will now streamline port operations, as everybody will only have a single act to follow.

If this move materializes, then the European SOLAS standards will most likely be adapted for this project.

Why the Philippines? The Philippines is a staunch ally of the United States in the Far East, in fact it was the Americans who liberated it from the Spanish conquistadors in the 18th century. So, it was basically an American colony, until the country was granted independence by the American Congress right after the Second World War.

The first Commonwealth government of the Philippines has legislated that Independence Day rites for the Islands must fall on the 4th of July to coincide with the American celebration. But it was moved during the 60’s to June 12th to commemorate the declaration of the first republic. And July 12 is now celebrated as American Friendship Day, a fitting tribute to the American influence that pervades local society even to this day.

Even before the Americans came to the Islands, the Philippines had already an existing flag. It carries three basic colors, red, white and blue with a golden sun placed at the center of the white triangle and on each angle is added three stars representing the three distinct island groupings – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

During the sojourn of the Americans to the country, the Philippine Flag flew side by side with the American tricolor. Due to the American influence, the country is literate as everybody read and write, understands English while a large majority can speak fluently making it the second language.

General Douglas McArthur together with his aide-de-camp Colonel Dwight Eisenhower came to the Philippines to help in the development of the Philippines. Later when the 2nd World War broke out, General McArthur left only after the famous assurance “I shall return” was made, and return he did with a bang.

Why the Philippines? The Philippines is a staunch ally of the United States in the Far East, in fact it was the Americans who liberated it from the Spanish conquistadors in the 18th century. So, it was basically an American colony, until the country was granted independence by the American Congress right after the Second World War.

The first Commonwealth government of the Philippines has legislated that Independence Day rites for the Islands must fall on the 4th of July to coincide with the American celebration. But it was moved during the 60’s to June 12th to commemorate the declaration of the first republic. And July 12 is now celebrated as American Friendship Day, a fitting tribute to the American influence that pervades local society even to this day.

Even before the Americans came to the Islands, the Philippines had already an existing flag. It carries three basic colors, red, white and blue with a golden sun placed at the center of the white triangle and on each angle is added three stars representing the three distinct island groupings – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

During the sojourn of the Americans to the country, the Philippine Flag flew side by side with the American tricolor. Due to the American influence, the country is literate as everybody read and write, understands English while a large majority can speak fluently making it the second language.

General Douglas McArthur together with his aide-de-camp Colonel Dwight Eisenhower came to the Philippines to help in the development of the Philippines. Later when the 2nd World War broke out, General McArthur left only after the famous assurance “I shall return” was made, and return he did with a bang.

The American flag has been with us for 231 years and it has stood as an emblem for freedom, justice, equality, human rights for areas where it has flown. It is only appropriate that we bestow honor to the flag and ideals it serve and for 2008, the Flag Day is June 14th. And by Presidential Proclamation, the week where the Flag Day is observed is automatically declared as the National Flag Week.

Why and how do we celebrate the National Flag Day? On this special day, we as a nation remember those in uniform who gave their all, courage and sacrifice to inspire each and every one of us. Also we try to remember the rich history of our oldest national symbol and ponder on our duty and latent responsibility to carry on the tradition of freedom well into the future. It is on Flag Day that parades and celebrations are made, flags are displayed on all Federal Government buildings to honor our national symbol.

How did the flag come to be? The stars and stripes as the flag is known originated as a result of a resolution adopted by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777 which described the flag to have thirteen alternate red and white stripes; that the union be made out of thirteen stars; and white in a blue field that suggests a new constellation.

When the flag was flown over Fort McHenry in 1814, it inspired Scott Key believing that liberty would finally triumph and wrote the tenets of the National Anthem. Moving words that still energizes and emboldens the American spirit as we face the challenges of a new era.

The American flag has been with us for 231 years and it has stood as an emblem for freedom, justice, equality, human rights for areas where it has flown. It is only appropriate that we bestow honor to the flag and ideals it serve and for 2008, the Flag Day is June 14th. And by Presidential Proclamation, the week where the Flag Day is observed is automatically declared as the National Flag Week.

Why and how do we celebrate the National Flag Day? On this special day, we as a nation remember those in uniform who gave their all, courage and sacrifice to inspire each and every one of us. Also we try to remember the rich history of our oldest national symbol and ponder on our duty and latent responsibility to carry on the tradition of freedom well into the future. It is on Flag Day that parades and celebrations are made, flags are displayed on all Federal Government buildings to honor our national symbol.

How did the flag come to be? The stars and stripes as the flag is known originated as a result of a resolution adopted by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777 which described the flag to have thirteen alternate red and white stripes; that the union be made out of thirteen stars; and white in a blue field that suggests a new constellation.

When the flag was flown over Fort McHenry in 1814, it inspired Scott Key believing that liberty would finally triumph and wrote the tenets of the National Anthem. Moving words that still energizes and emboldens the American spirit as we face the challenges of a new era.

We have been too preoccupied with our interpretation of the American flag that we have failed to look more closely on the symbolism attached to our neighbors flag, Mexico. This is really important because Mexico is just across the border and besides most of our migrant residents is part of the vibrant Mexican-Latino community.

Are you aware that Mexico has adopted three colors for their flag? Much like our own flag with red, white and blue, Mexico’s flag carries a vertical color combination of red, white and green with the national coat of arms placed strategically at the center of the white stripe. This national tricolor has been officially adapted since 1968, but this overall design has been in use since 1821, when the national emblem was first created.

What does the color symbolize? The original interpretation of the Mexican tricolor is; that green symbolizes the country’s independence from Spain, or during the country’s war and struggle for independence; white stands for the country’s religion – the Roman Catholic faith; and red represents the union of all the people of the world, Europeans and Americans included.

However since the secularization of Mexico which was spearheaded by its President Benito Juarez during the latter part of the 20th century, the color symbolism has radically changed. Green now signifies hope; white is for the unity of the people of Mexico; and red represents the blood shed by the national heroes of Mexico.

So, having known what the Mexican flag symbolizes, are you also adept on what the American flag stands for, particularly the stars and stripes?

We have been too preoccupied with our interpretation of the American flag that we have failed to look more closely on the symbolism attached to our neighbors flag, Mexico. This is really important because Mexico is just across the border and besides most of our migrant residents is part of the vibrant Mexican-Latino community.

Are you aware that Mexico has adopted three colors for their flag? Much like our own flag with red, white and blue, Mexico’s flag carries a vertical color combination of red, white and green with the national coat of arms placed strategically at the center of the white stripe. This national tricolor has been officially adapted since 1968, but this overall design has been in use since 1821, when the national emblem was first created.

What does the color symbolize? The original interpretation of the Mexican tricolor is; that green symbolizes the country’s independence from Spain, or during the country’s war and struggle for independence; white stands for the country’s religion – the Roman Catholic faith; and red represents the union of all the people of the world, Europeans and Americans included.

However since the secularization of Mexico which was spearheaded by its President Benito Juarez during the latter part of the 20th century, the color symbolism has radically changed. Green now signifies hope; white is for the unity of the people of Mexico; and red represents the blood shed by the national heroes of Mexico.

So, having known what the Mexican flag symbolizes, are you also adept on what the American flag stands for, particularly the stars and stripes?