Third Graders Learn The Importance Of ‘Old Glory’

By Tanjua Damon

Most students understand that the American flag is symbolic, but some may not understand that everything about the flag has meaning, from what is on it to what is done with it.

Third graders in Newtown have been learning about the details of the flag from members of the American Legion George A. Powell, Sr Post 202 from Newtown. Veteran Hugh Findlay and Auxiliary member Alice Saxton spoke to third graders recently about veterans and the flag.

Ms Saxton explained to third graders that members of the American Legion not only educate about the flag, but also help to make sure veterans are taken care of by visiting them, helping them shop for Christmas presents, and making sure the government provides them with what they need.

The two members of the American Legion also educated the students about the importance of the American flag.

“Everything on the flag and everything with the flag has special meaning,” Ms Saxton said.

There are 50 stars that represent each of the states in the United States and there are 13 stripes that signify the original 13 colonies, the students were told.

Even the colors of the flag have special meaning, according to Ms Saxton.

“The red stands for blood shed and the courage it took not only to win our freedom but to keep it all these years,” she said. “Even though we are not at war, we have men and women out there every day putting their lives in danger not only for our freedom, but for other countries’ freedom.”

“Blue is for loyalty to the flag,” Ms Saxton continued. “It is symbolic of our country, and the people in it.”

“White is for cleanliness and purity,” she said. “The purity of the American spirit, what we believe in and what we stand for.”

On July 4, 1776, freedom was officially declared from England, according to Ms Saxton. Betsy Ross made the design of a flag that was most popular with 13 strips and 13 stars in a circle.

Flag Day in on June 14, Ms Saxton said. The flag also has a nickname given in 1831 by a Navy captain, “Old Glory.”

During the War of 1812 Francis Scott Key wrote the American anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

When a veteran dies, a flag is laid on the coffin and then it is folded into a triangle. The triangle represents the tri-corner hats worn by Revolutionary War soldiers, Ms Saxton said. It is folded 13 times, once for each of the original colonies. Also, the stars always show after the flag is folded to remind people of the stars in the heavens and to remember the country’s motto, “In God We Trust.” The triangle also represents the three branches of government – legislative, executive and judicial.

New York was the first state to fly the flag, according to Ms Saxton. Only two people can decide to fly the flag at half staff – the President and the governor of a state.

Mr Findlay spoke to the students about “The Pledge of Allegiance” and how important the words are.