Friends. Wow. #TrainingThursday is practically writing itself this week with the #DressCode change in #Congress, confirmation of several #ServiceChiefs , #POTUS neglecting to shake the hand of the Brazilian President, and the #RoyalVisit to France, just to name a few goings-on! Let’s get to it…
We’ve previously discussed the #Congressional dress code, so I won’t delve too deeply into it today. Previously, protocol dictated that an improperly attired #Senator would be forced to vote from the doorway of the chamber. I will say that I do not, personally, approve of the change. Not for any political reasons, but I believe there to be a modicum of respect (or not) for others reflected in the attire a person dons for their business. When my own Senators begin dressing down, you can guarantee they’ll receive a note from this constituent (see 📸 below)!
It’s a big week for #Confirmations of the #Chairman of the #JointChiefsofStaff , as well as for the #Army and #MarineCorps . From a protocol standpoint, at a minimum, it means we won’t be using the term #Acting anymore and can #FlyTheFlag again. For example, until now, #USMC General Smith was still using the standard #4Star flag (scarlet field with white stars in diamond formation), but will now transition to the actual #Commandant flag (same as 4-star, but with a silver/gold EGA in the center)… It’s a beautiful day to hoist as far as this #Vexillophile is concerned!
A bit of Brazilian protocol for you: In Brazil, as in many countries, handshakes are expected at both open and close of an encounter. As a cultural norm, Brazilians are a very tactile people and this is why the President’s gaffe is especially egregious. Unlike in the #UK where a #ConstitutionalMonarchy is law of the land, in Brazil, the President is both the Chief of State and the Head of the Government.
Speaking of the UK… Have you been following the #StateVisit to France by #HMKingCharles and #HMQueenCamilla ? How about the visit to #NYC by #HRHPrinceWilliam for the #Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit? Both appear to have progressed along rather swimmingly and I was especially impressed with the King’s toast in French to his guests at the glittering #HallofMirrors at the #PalaceofVersailles . The first thing my eyes went toward were the floral arrangements. When conducting a dining event with foreign guests, a good #ProtocolOfficer will take care to ensure that the flower types and colors are appropriate to the occasion. For example, one would never place purple flowers on the table for a Brazilian visit, as the color is associated with death in that country.
Happy Protocol-ing, friends!
#SeizetheFire #LifelongLearner #alwaysleading #alwayslearning #FlagEtiquette #RelationshipsMatter #FriendsAndAllies #Diplomacy
📸: Speaking of note-writing… My mother informs that the public library on Old Hammond Highway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has this week raised a crisp new flag. #PowerToThePeople !
Literacy Tutor
1moFamilies like ours still treasure the memories and friendships we made through AFS more than 35 years ago! We have maintained our lifelong family connection and through the years have met our Portuguese AFS "daughter" in Lisbon, London, Washington DC, Boston, NYC, Toronto and wherever our transcontinental paths may cross. The beautiful Portuguese Azores were our most recent meet-up. Efforts like this remind us that we are one united world! Thank you, Mr. Galatti, for your vision and dedication to keep our world connected! Let's be mindful of this every day!