JCD class thankful for the flag and freedom
Fourth graders at Jac-Cen-Del Elementary had the opportunity to learn about flag etiquette firsthand from Osgood American Legion members.
According to Ed Schmidt the students enjoyed the event as they heard the accurate story of the “Star Spangled Banner”. Legion members gave each student a handout “Our Country’s Flag”, an 18-page magazine that is designed to appeal to a fourth grader. Information in the booklet encourages the students to think of the “glorious freedom” Americans enjoy.
Students wrote essays about what they had learned and two were chosen to receive a 3×5 flag.
In Dean Schuerman’s essay he wrote in part, “When I see Old Glory, I think of how we got to this point in time, in this country, in this place where I am writing this. It took tons of grit and determination from the people fighting overseas and here in America. They aren’t just fighting for their country and their lives. They are fighting for us. They are fighting for America, their rights, their freedom and their flag. We aren’t called The Land of the Free for nothing. We are the Land of the Free because we don’t back down…”. He continued, “Whenever you see that flag, I want it to inspire you like it inspires me.”
Another winner with her essay is Kimberly Love. She said when she sees the flag she thinks of all who sacrificed their lives. “We should respect the flag and the people who fought for our country’s flag. We should always respect and display the flag correctly…Our country’s flag is a symbol of our freedom and justice. Some people don’t actually know what the pledge means. It means ‘A promise that we will be true to our country and our special red, white and blue flag’”.
Schmidt and other members of the Legion feel strongly about teaching this program in the schools. It connects the children with veterans who know the cost of freedom firsthand. It allows a relationship to form from those who have served to those who someday could serve.
The Osgood American Legion has some upcoming events that will help support all they do in the community. They have Tuesday Night Dart League and Taco Tuesdays; Wednesday meal specials; and Thursday nights boast line dancing and wing night! All of these events are open to the public. “We welcome anyone to come, check out the meals, especially the wings,” Schmidt noted. He said there are plays for several upcoming bands that include Monarch, Dusty Roads, Keith Swinney and more.
When you support the legion’s events, you are supporting your own community.
