The Veterans of Foreign Wars Calabash Post 7288 Auxiliary visited the Union Elementary School in Shallotte on Monday, May 20, 2024 to present a flag education program to third graders. 

Our nation’s most iconic symbol of freedom, the American Flag, has a long history through war and peace. The VFW and it’s Auxiliary have spent more than one hundred years defending and honoring this cherished icon. It is important to educate our youngest citizens about the history of their flag and to share the importance of respecting what it symbolizes.

Wayne Weszka, president of the VFW Calabash Post 7288 Auxiliary, led the presentation. He talked about the history and evolution of the flag while VFW Auxiliary member Sheri Weaver showed students color photos of the various flags. Explaining how to respect the flag, Wayne talked about guidelines for displaying, saluting and caring for flags. "Never throw an old flag in the garbage” Wayne reminded the students. The VFW, as well as the American Legion and Elks have special receptacles at their meeting halls where the public can drop off old flags to be retired properly. 

Another interesting topic discussed was the symbolism and method for folding an American Flag. There are 13 Triangular folds, each having its own, specific symbolic meaning. A veteran's flag, folded and encased in a triangular wooden box was brought along to show how to correctly display a folded flag.

The students were very familiar with the Pledge of Allegiance and stood, placing their hands over their hearts, reciting it with the VFW Auxiliary volunteers. Wayne explained what each of the thirty one words of the pledge actually mean so the students might better understand what it stands for when they recite it in the future. 

VFW Auxiliary Chaplin and historian, Julia Larsen led the children in the singing of the National Anthem. The students stood again and joined in a sing along. The children were very polite and attentive, demonstrating their interest in this important topic.

VFW Auxiliary members Fran and Jennifer Redfield  handed out gift bags as the third graders were dismissed. Each student received a small American flag and some brochures about what they just learned, along with a Flag coloring book, crayons and some candy.

The VFW Calabash Post 7288 Auxiliary is available to share this program with other area elementary schools or home school groups. Contact Cathy Milstead, cmilst@atmc.net, for more details.