Middle school students receive lesson in patriotism

American Legion Post 26 Commander Tom Coester, right, and former post commander Rich McMahon demonstrate the steps needed to fold the Stars and Stripes during a flag education program held last week at Hacker Middle School. Each of the 13 steps used to fold the American flag has a symbolic meaning, the American Legion representatives emphasized to the fifth grade students as they continued the process.

It's seen everywhere in this county although it tends to receive little recognition since it often blends into the background. It's shown in artwork and at public events, honored at the Olympic games and draped over the caskets of fallen military veterans.

In addition to flying over government buildings, the American flag is presented honors as students in classrooms across the county pledge their allegiance to what it represents. It also appears in other places, including the uniforms of those who serve in the armed forces.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.