Trends for September 24, 2001

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Sept. 24, 2001 | 8:26 a.m.

Glorious traditions

Let's face it it's been a rough couple of weeks for the people of this great nation. And in the face of adversity, Americans have refused to back down. They've opened their hearts as well as their pocketbooks to help those in need, while putting on an exemplary show of patriotism.

Just try to drive down a street without catching a glimpse of Old Glory on giant flag poles and tiny sticks waving from store windows, front porches and car antennas.

No matter the size of the stars and stripes, it's important to follow the rules when displaying this symbol of freedom. According to a recent article in the Houston Chronicle, you should never:

Chances are good that as this nation's patriotic spirit continues, some flags will become worn or soiled from being exposed to nature's elements, in which case they should be destroyed via burning in a "dignified manner" a service provided by some America Legion posts.

Flag one down

While we're on the subject of flags ...

Given the recent run on U.S. flags at retail stores throughout the country, it is proving tough to even find a flag should you want to fly one.

It's usflag.org to the rescue. The website, which contains all sorts of information about Old Glory, has a link to a half-dozen styles of printable flags, including one that kids can color themselves.

Hail to the Chief

The president has also become a familiar face to television viewers in recent weeks, as George W. Bush has gone before news cameras to address issues stemming from the tragedies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

But how much do we the people really know about the president or any former U.S. president for that matter?

Now is as good a time as any to brush up on some presidential trivia. There's a slew of it for the taking at theamericanpresidency.net.

Did you know that Bush is the first president to hold an MBA from Harvard Business School? He's the second Baby Boomer president (Bill Clinton was the first); the fourth to assume the presidency without winning the popular vote; and he raised more money than any other presidential candidate in history.

Other points of interest on the website include a virtual tour of the President's Room at the Capitol, and an homage to presidential pooches past and present.