The Shadow
The national flag of the United States of America is a patriotic symbol for Americans all over the world. On December 14, Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 and Auxiliary held a flag etiquette and flag folding program for the fifth-grade students at Jeter-Watson Elementary School.
These young Americans listened attentively and could not wait to take a turn at folding the flag themselves. Comrades Bill Atherholt, post Quartermaster, and Paul Linkenhoker, post Chaplain, were there to educate and answer questions. The classes, supported by their teachers. Mrs. Huner, Mrs. Main, Mrs. Grimes, Mrs. Lowe, and teachers aid, Laura Snead, eagerly participated in folding flags and sharing their knowledge.
Bill Atherholt demonstrated how to properly fold while at the same time, teaching etiquette and patriotism. Some highlights from his lesson: the flag should be lit at all times either by sun or lights; when a flag can no longer be used, it is burned in a retirement ceremony. There are 13 stripes total on the flag – 7 white and 6 blue (representing the original 13 colonies. Last, but not least, at parades, veterans stand at attention and salute while civilians should put right hand over their hearts.
Comrade Linkenhoker told the students the real heroes are the people who wear the uniforms, i.e., police, fire and rescue and public servants. Linkenhoker also told the students that freedom is not free.
The fifth-grade music class, under the direction of Mrs. Peters, sang the Armed Forces Medley of the United States honoring the Army, the Navy, the Marines the Air Force and the Coast Guard. This presentation of the branches of the military is always an emotional tribute to so many. Thank you comrades for what you do.
All students who attended the program were given a flag to remind them of its symbol of America. Long may they wave.
Thank you to Mrs. Morgan and her staff and students for allowing us to come to their school and share “Old Glory”.
Did you know: A flag expert is called a VEXILLOLOGIST?
