Free Patriotic Cards

It's not necessarily traditional to send cards to US military veterans for the Memorial Day holiday, but there's no reason not to start that tradition right now. After all, these brave men and women laid their lives on the line for us.

In March 2008, the 4,000th American was pronounced dead in the Iraq war. That means you might even know people who recently gave their lives for their country. So why not send our surviving veterans or the relatives of someone killed in battle one of the authentic old-fashioned cards at the bottom of this post, either as an e-card or on the front of a postcard or greeting card. No matter how you feel about war, it's the least we can do to say thank you for those who put themselves in harm's way.

Another Way to Honor Our Soldiers

Another way to honor veterans is by honoring the flag for which they fought. Here are the rules for displaying and handling the flag, according to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):

• The U.S. flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated . Also, the flag should not be displayed in foul weather, except if it is an all-weather flag.
• It should fly above any other flag. the exception are flags of other nations, which should be flown at same height.
• When held in a parade, the U.S. flag should be to marchers right (observer's left).
• When displayed on a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it should be on the speaker's right.
• The flag should never be used for decoration. For bunting, use blue on top, then white, then red.
• To salute the flag, your head should be bare (women and military leave hats on), your right hand should be over your heart and you should be standing at attention.
• On special days the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it shuold be flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full height.
• Do not let the flag touch the ground.
• Do not fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
• Do not carry the flag flat or carry things in it.
• Do not use the flag as clothing.
• Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
• Do not use it as a cover, unless it is on a coffin during a funeral.
• Do not fasten it or tie it back; always allow it to fall free.
• Do not draw on it or otherwise mark the flag.

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