Rogers City veterans teach flag etiquette

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor

Displaying the American flag or images of the flag has been a popular thing to do since September 11, 2001. There is, however, a long list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to how and when to fly and handle the flag or use images of the flag – federal law, in fact. There?s also a proper way to treat America?s ?Stars and Stripes.?

Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #607 of Rogers City returned to St. Ignatius Catholic School Monday to present a flag folding ceremony, which was followed by a hands-on demonstration. ?I think it is important for kids in today?s age to learn how to respect the flag and everything that goes along with it, so we are grateful to them,? said principal Amy Rabeau, who was approached by commander Leonard LaTulip.

When the opportunity came about to conduct the ceremony for the students for the second year in a row, Rabeau was more than welcome to the opportunity. ?EVERY YEAR the children anxiously await the event,? said LaTulip.

Eighth-grader Rebecca Meredith started Monday?s assembly by reading a ?Voice of Democracy? essay written by Christina Benson. It was called, ?Service and sacrifice by America?s veterans benefit today?s youth by??

T

he veterans gave a demonstration on how to the fold the flag, while it was read what each fold represented. The students then came forward to fold the flag at one of three stations. One veteran commented to a student that one young group of students did a better job than they did.

TO FOLD a flag properly, start by folding it in half lengthwise, then in half again, from bottom to top. Then, starting at the striped end, make a series of diagonal folds. Ideally, when finished, you should have a triangle with only a blue field of stars showing. ?We are grateful to Mr. LaTulip and the veterans,? said Rabeau.

The veterans were equally pleased to have an opportunity to teach flag etiquette. They?ve been presenting the same teaching opportunity at Rogers City Elementary School and St. John Lutheran School.