Memorial Day Archives - Standards Michigan

Standards Maryland

The choice of red, white, and blue in national flags often carries historical, cultural, and political significance. Here are some reasons why various nations have chosen these colors:

Historical Connections:
- United States: The colors were chosen for their flag in 1777 and have been interpreted to symbolize valor (red), purity (white), and justice (blue). The colors were influenced by the British Union Jack.
- France: The Tricolour flag adopted during the French Revolution represents liberty (blue), equality (white), and fraternity (red).
- United Kingdom: The Union Jack combines elements from the flags of England (red and white), Scotland (blue and white), and Ireland (red and white).
Cultural and Political Significance:
- Russia: The flag’s colors were adopted from the Dutch flag, symbolizing pan-Slavism (red for bravery, blue for faithfulness, and white for honesty).
- Netherlands: The Dutch flag’s colors (originally derived from the Prince’s Flag) have historical roots, symbolizing the struggle for independence and liberty.
- Czech Republic and Slovakia: Both countries use red, white, and blue to represent their Slavic heritage.
Influence and Inspiration:
- Chile, Costa Rica, and Panama: These countries were influenced by the colors and symbolism of other flags (e.g., the French and American flags) during their independence movements.
- Australia and New Zealand: Both countries incorporate the Union Jack in their flags, reflecting their colonial history with the United Kingdom.
Symbolism:
- Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia: The colors are traditional pan-Slavic colors, representing freedom and national unity.
- Iceland and Norway: The colors reflect their historical and cultural ties to other Scandinavian countries.

The exact reasons can vary, but often the colors reflect a mix of historical alliances, cultural heritage, and political ideals.

Allied Trade Specialist

The MIL-SPEC catalog and its evolution have had a significant impact on various industries beyond the military sector. Many civilian industries have adopted military standards as a benchmark for quality, reliability, and compatibility in their products and processes.

World War II Era:

The MIL-SPEC system traces its roots back to the World War II era when the U.S. military faced challenges in coordinating manufacturing efforts across multiple suppliers. To address these challenges, the military began developing specifications and standards that detailed the requirements for various equipment and materials, including dimensions, materials, performance criteria, and testing procedures.

Post-World War II:

After World War II, the MIL-SPEC catalog expanded significantly to cover a wide range of military equipment, ranging from electronics and aircraft components to clothing and food supplies. The standards were continuously updated and revised based on technological advancements, lessons learned, and evolving military needs.

Evolution into MIL-STD:

In the 1950s and 1960s, the MIL-SPEC system evolved into the Military Standard (MIL-STD) system to provide even more comprehensive and detailed specifications. MIL-STD documents incorporated a broader scope of requirements, including design criteria, quality control processes, and test methodologies. The MIL-STD system aimed to ensure consistent design and manufacturing practices across contractors and suppliers.

MIL-STD Transition to Commercial Standards:

Over time, the reliance on MIL-STDs started to decline, and there was a shift towards adopting commercial standards whenever possible. This transition allowed the military to benefit from the advancements and cost efficiencies of commercial technologies. However, certain critical military-specific standards, such as those related to security and specialized equipment, continued to be maintained within the MIL-STD framework.

DoD’s Transition to Performance-Based Specifications:

In recent years, the DoD has been moving away from prescriptive specifications (MIL-STDs) towards performance-based specifications. Performance-based specifications focus on defining the desired outcomes and performance requirements while allowing contractors greater flexibility in meeting those requirements. This approach encourages innovation, cost-effectiveness, and broader industry participation in military contracts.

Welding Standards

😬 pic.twitter.com/RQk2QOAFPn

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 4, 2024

Servicemen’s Readjustment Act

Flags

A flag stands for a set of principles; the reach for the ideals of a civilization–
not for the lapses of adherence to them.

“After School” 1959 Norman Rockwell

Flag Day in the United States, observed on June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the American flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. It’s a day to honor the symbol of the nation’s unity, freedom, and democracy. The flag represents the ideals and principles upon which the country was founded, including liberty, justice, and equality.

On Flag Day, Americans typically display the flag at their homes and businesses, participate in patriotic ceremonies, and reflect on the significance of the flag in American history and culture. It’s also a time to remember the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve in defense of the nation. Flag Day serves as a reminder of the values that bind Americans together as one nation, under the banner of the stars and stripes.

United States Independence Day

There are no rigorous standard heights for flagpoles displaying the American flag in educational settlements but there are general guidelines and recommendations.

Commercial Use: In commercial settings, flagpoles can vary widely depending on the size of the building and the surrounding landscape. They can range from 20 feet for smaller businesses to over 100 feet for large corporate buildings.

Government Buildings: Flagpoles at government buildings or public spaces often range from 30 to 60 feet or more, depending on the size and prominence of the building.

Proportions: A general guideline for the American flag is that the length of the flag should be about one-quarter to one-third the height of the flagpole.

Regulations: Some local ordinances or homeowner associations may have specific guidelines regarding flagpole height, so it’s a good idea to check local regulations before installing one.

Ultimately, the height of a flagpole for the American flag depends on the context and purpose of display, as well as practical considerations such as the size of the flag itself and local regulations.

Flagpoles

University of Michigan

It’s a perfect day for school in @DGDistrict58! Such a fun morning visiting with the Lester students, staff, and families. It’s great to be in 58! #dg58pride pic.twitter.com/bwHlROpbMw

— Dr. Kevin B. Russell (@drkevinbrussell) August 30, 2023

Hillsdale College Michigan

Western University Ontario

Universitetet i Oslo

Northeastern University Massachusetts

University at Buffalo New York

Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia

Pepperdine University / California

Colby College Maine

Finley Public School New South Wales Australia

St. Olaf College Minnesota

College of the Ozarks Missouri

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Neuqua Valley High School Illinois

Hillsdale College Michigan

Abilene Christian University Texas

University of Southern Mississippi | Image: Courtland Wells

Québec

Queensborough Community College

Bucknell University Pennsylvania

Flagpoles

NB: “The flag stands for a set of principles, not the lack of adherence to them.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough. We are not sure about this source; nor the author. We have adapted the sentiment for our home page excerpt.

Flagpoles

Meals-Ready-to-Eat

“An Army marches on its stomach”
— Napoleon Bonaparte

Compact, flameless heater allows for pre-packaged hot dinners

“Whether it’s chili with beans, barbecued beef or meatballs in marinara sauce, members of the United States military are served up a rotating menu of entrees through meals, ready to eat rations. Packed in individual pouches, these self-contained meals can be eaten during combat operations, humanitarian missions or field trainings, providing nourishment on the go. Yet while MREs were first piloted for U.S. military members during the Vietnam War, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it’s been possible for these meals to be served hot…

…We can thank a University of Cincinatti Professor of Mechanical Engineering for that.” (And transforming the civilian emergency food industry, to boot)

Napoleonic Code

Food and Water in an Emergency

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Food Safety: A Recipe for National Preparedness

Evensong “Peace”

Cavatina

Original Score (Stanley Myers)

Mandeville Conservatory of Music | Cavatina from the movie “The Deer Hunter”, composed by Stanley Myershttps://t.co/aS2yY4cizx https://t.co/h6sTxxiw7X pic.twitter.com/lfDaRGpkgm

— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) November 11, 2018

“Cavatina” Performed as part of the Guitar Ensembles’ Concert in the Memorial Hall of Bishop’s Stortford College@BSCollege
print(“LunchHour1600UTC”); weekday(2)https://t.co/7i9S3FZs9u pic.twitter.com/yUpH5UXs96

— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) December 1, 2021

“The Cavatina” 1970 Stanley Myers
University of Illinois School of Music@IllinoisMusic
print(“Evensong”)https://t.co/MiBuOOsWEZ pic.twitter.com/vhRXle9GIR

— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) August 14, 2022

United State Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel

Academy Facilities

Rifle

Winslow Homer, “The Army of the Potomac–A Sharp-Shooter on Picket Duty” 1862

NCAA Rifle Competition began in 1980 and features both men’s and women’s teams competing together. The competition includes smallbore and air rifle events, with each athlete shooting in both disciplines.

The two primary events are smallbore rifle (also known as .22 caliber) and air rifle (using a .177 caliber air gun). Competitions typically involve both individual and team scoring, with athletes shooting a series of targets from different distances and positions.

Several U.S. colleges and universities have competitive rifle teams that participate in NCAA rifle competitions. Some of the notable institutions include:

University of Alaska Fairbanks
West Virginia University
University of Kentucky
Texas Christian University (TCU)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Murray State University
Ohio State University
University of Akron
United States Military Academy (Army)
University of Memphis
North Carolina State University
Jacksonville State University
Morehead State University
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
U.S. Naval Academy (Navy)

The NCAA rifle competition serves as a pipeline for athletes aiming to compete in international events, including the Olympics where it was part of the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896. Rifle events scheduled for the 2024 Olympics include:

10m Air Rifle (Men and Women): Athletes will shoot from a standing position using a .177 caliber air rifle at a distance of 10 meters.
50m Rifle Three Positions (Men and Women): Competitors will shoot from kneeling, prone, and standing positions using a .22 caliber smallbore rifle at a distance of 50 meters.
Mixed Team 10m Air Rifle: Teams composed of one male and one female shooter will compete together in the 10m air rifle event.