Rally 'Round The Flag
- jeanjohnson7
- Aug 8, 2023
- 2 min read
VIENNA TWP., Michigan — Members of the American Legion schooled a bunch of Clio fourth-graders this month.
Five veterans taught three classes about the flag at Garner Elementary School. As the 82 students sat intently, the veterans demonstrated the proper way to fold the flag, the waning of the flag, and even sounded off the Pledge of Allegiance phrase by phrase.
It’s the post’s second year visiting the students, and Post 158 Commander Jim Sutherland of Vienna Township said he aims to do it next year, too.
“This was excellent,” Sutherland said about the class. “It’s the biggest and best group we’ve ever had.”
The local Legion, which has roughly 70 years of service combined in both the Vietnam and Korean wars, went to all Clio elementary schools and the alternative education school Nov. 4 for the presentations.
“It’s important for them to learn about the flag,” said American Legion women’s auxiliary member Sue Hilgris, who arranges the annual event.
She said that they chose the fourth-graders because they’re still at an age where they’re easier to reach.
The children learned flag traditions, such as the meaning behind the colors. They saw images of the Union Jack, the Gadsden Flag from the Revolutionary War and Betsy Ross’ flag. They also learned about removing hats during the pledge and national anthem, how to dispose of a flag and other types of flag etiquette.
“I thought it was really great for them to come here,” said Katie Olson, 9, of Clio. “It meant a lot to me. I didn’t know a lot about the flag before.”
The vets also performed a laid-back sound-off, where they dissected the verbiage in the Pledge of Allegiance, putting it in plain English for the kids to understand.
Towards the end, they had a question-and-answer period. The children asked different questions about the flag, what types of guns they used and if they were good or bad guys during the war.
“It was an honor to have them here,” Katie said. “These men were real gentlemen.”
Comentários