Resources
Veteran's Crisis Hotline
Useful Websites and Telephone Numbers
Useful Websites and Telephone Numbers
Useful Websites and Telephone Numbers
Useful Websites and Telephone Numbers
Useful Websites and Telephone Numbers
Homeland Security Support Program
Homeland Security Support Program
Homeland Security Support Program
Flag Etiquette
Marking Veteran's Graves and Information for Spouses
Special Military Social Security Benefits
Special Military Social Security Benefits
Marking Veteran's Graves and Information for Spouses
Special Military Social Security Benefits
Marking Veteran's Graves and Information for Spouses
Marking Veteran's Graves and Information for Spouses
Marking Veteran's Graves and Information for Spouses
Veteran's Crisis Hotline
Suicide Prevention
For Immediate Confidential Assistance for Veterans and their Families:
Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
Or Text 838255
FREE SUPPORT FOR ALL VETERANS AVAILABLE 24/7
The American Legion’s Suicide Prevention Web Center is a resource for veterans to provide personal testimonials, data, statistics, risk factors, research, and resources to help veterans, families, and communities connect with VA’s programs in their time of transition and need. We encourage any veteran in crisis to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) and press 1.
Life Saving
CPR
This is a new CPR technique (no mouth to mouth) which is much simpler.
You never know, you might save a life some day.
Homeland Security Support Program
Background: In 2014, the Post 24 Executive Committee established the Homeland Security Support Program (HSSP) to enhance membership awareness and participation in homeland/hometown security support initiatives. The program fosters community preparedness and resiliency while providing members with important ways to support the community, state and nation.
Some practical ways Post 24 members can support homeland/hometown security support initiatives:
- Volunteer with the Alexandria Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Volunteer with the Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
- Volunteer with the American Red Cross
- Enhance emergency management knowledge by completing free online education and training courses offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Show support for local public safety agencies and officers by attending the annual Post 24 recognition ceremony for outstanding firefighters and law enforcement officers
External Websites with Additional Resources and Information:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizens Corps: https://www.ready.gov/citizen-corps
- Virginia Department of Emergency Management: https://www.vaemergency.gov/
- Alexandria Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management: https://www.alexandriava.gov/EmergencyManagement
- Alexandria Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): https://www.alexandriava.gov/CERT
- Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps (MRC): https://www.alexandriava.gov/MedicalReserve
- American Red Cross for National Capital Region: https://www.redcross.org/local/washington-dc/volunteer.html
- The American Legion Disaster Preparedness Guide: https://www.legion.org/publications/160967/disaster-preparedness-guide
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI): https://training.fema.gov/is/
Questions, comments and suggestions? Please contact the program chairman at HSSP@VAPost24.onmicrosoft.com
Flag Etiquette
When to Display your Flag
The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather permits, especially on:
- New Year's Day, January 1
- Inauguration Day
- Martin Luther King's Birthday, Third Monday in January
- Lincoln's Birthday
- Washington's Birthday, February 22.
- Easter Sunday
- Mother's Day, Second Sunday in May
- Armed Forces Day, Third Saturday in May
- Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Last Monday in May
- Flag Day, June 14th
- Independence Day, July 4th
- Labor Day, First Monday in September.
- Constitution Day, September 17th
- Columbus Day, October 12th
- Navy Day. Veterans Day, November 11th
- Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day, December 25th
- Election Days (various)
- Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates.
- Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
- State and Local Holidays
HOW TO RETIRE YOUR FLAG
Please bring your flag to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 609 located at the Alexandria National Cemetery on Wilkes Street. Flags should be deposited in the container on the porch and will be retired through an official ceremony.
Why the American flag is folded 13 times.
Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Each fold of the U.S. flag has an important meaning:
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones. Those who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
FOLDING THE FLAG
1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field.
2. Then fold it in half again.
3. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge forming a triangle.
4. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
5. When you get near the end - nothing but the blue field showing - tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.