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Teaching a lesson in patriotism...
Representatives with American Legion Post 26 stopped by Hacker Middle School last week to emphasize the meaning of patriotism and the significance of the American flag.
Members of the Mountain Home post continued a tradition that at one pointed remained absent in the local schools for years.
According to Richard McMahon, past commander of the local Legion post, it's important for children to understand and appreciate what it means to be an American. While many of them can recite the Pledge of Allegiance, for example, very few of those students understand the underlying meaning behind those words, he said.
McMahon helped the fifth graders put into context the meaning of words like "allegiance" and "republic." The pledge, he added, means Americans are making a promise to this country -- a promise to be true.
Events like this remain an important tradition to ensure students fully understand and appreciate what this nation represents, said McMahon, a Vietnam veteran.
During their presentation, McMahon and post adjutant Tom Coester took an American flag and showed the students the 13-step procedure used to properly fold it. As they made each fold, post commander Jack Schafhausen explained the symbolism associated with each fold.
"The flag should always be treated with honor and respect," Schafhausen told the children.
During their presentation, members of the Legion addressed proper ways to care for the flag. They emphasized that people should never write or draw anything on the Stars and Stripes nor wear it as part of a costume.
In addition, the military veterans highlighted a few additional facts about displaying the flag on special occasions.
On Veterans' Day, for example, people are allowed to fly the colors on a flag pole at half staff. However, they must briskly raise the flag to the top of the staff before they lower it to the desired height. When they lower the colors at the end of the day, people should always raise it to the top of the staff before it's fully lowered.
Meanwhile, people who want to fly the flag at night may do so as long as a light source shines on the flag during the hours of darkness. In addition, people are encouraged to take the flag down to prevent it from being exposed to inclement weather and to replace it when the wind and elements have caused it to fade or become tattered and torn.
They explained other facts regarding the Stars and Stripes that caught many of the students off guard. For example, when an honor guard carries the flag in a parade, it will normally include two individuals standing on either side, each carrying a rifle. While the weapons are unloaded and the bolts removed, their presence symbolizes the need to protect the flag.
One fact the fifth graders were unaware was that people can wash or dry clean a soiled flag, McMahon said. In addition, people can also mend an American flag if those repairs will keep it in serviceable condition.
The Legion representatives also highlighted the proper way to dispose of a torn or worn-out flag -- during a dignified ceremony in which each flag is burned. In addition, the ashes of these retired flags are buried at an undisclosed location so they can never be disturbed, Schafhausen said.
Representatives from the local Legion posts will hold their next flag retirement ceremony June 14 in Carl Miller Park as part of this year's Flag Day observance. They invited the students and their parents to attend the event to help them better understand and appreciate the freedoms they enjoy every day.