Details
CLEVELAND, Grover. Typed letter signed ("Grover Cleveland") to Edward Bok of the Ladies Home Journal, Princeton, New Jersey, 11 May 1904. 1 page, 4to (10½ x 8 in.), slightly browned.
CLEVELAND ON SALUTING THE AMERICAN FLAG
After the Spanish American War, the United States embarked upon an era of patriotism and progressive reform. As the nation endeavored to plant "Old Glory" in imperial endeavors around the world, domestically she struggled with problems in the workplace and with questions of gender equality. Foremost among the women's movements was the continued struggle to obtain suffrage at the national level. Here, Cleveland responds to a question that reflects both elements of the era: "I have received your letter, asking my assistance by way of settling the question as to how a little girl should salute the American flag." Cleveland answers with careful consideration for the controversial nature of the issue: "I am always glad to aid in matters of this kind which smack of patriotism; but in this particular case I confess I am at my wits' end, and beg you to excuse me from making any suggestion on the subject."
According to modern standards of flag etiquette, all citizens, regardless of gender, should salute the flag with their right hand held over their heart. The salute is still gender specific, however, as etiquette requires that only men with a head cover should remove it and hold it to their left shoulder while their hand is held over their heart.
CLEVELAND ON SALUTING THE AMERICAN FLAG
After the Spanish American War, the United States embarked upon an era of patriotism and progressive reform. As the nation endeavored to plant "Old Glory" in imperial endeavors around the world, domestically she struggled with problems in the workplace and with questions of gender equality. Foremost among the women's movements was the continued struggle to obtain suffrage at the national level. Here, Cleveland responds to a question that reflects both elements of the era: "I have received your letter, asking my assistance by way of settling the question as to how a little girl should salute the American flag." Cleveland answers with careful consideration for the controversial nature of the issue: "I am always glad to aid in matters of this kind which smack of patriotism; but in this particular case I confess I am at my wits' end, and beg you to excuse me from making any suggestion on the subject."
According to modern standards of flag etiquette, all citizens, regardless of gender, should salute the flag with their right hand held over their heart. The salute is still gender specific, however, as etiquette requires that only men with a head cover should remove it and hold it to their left shoulder while their hand is held over their heart.