Shallotte- Eleven members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Calabash Post 7288 and Auxiliary visited the Union Elementary School in Shallotte on Friday, May 22, 2026 to present a flag education program to 130 third graders gathered in the cafeteria. Our nation’s most iconic symbol of freedom, the American Flag, has a long history through war and peace. The VFW and the VFW 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,” said VFW Post 7288 commander Wayne Grigsby, "That’s why we are here today talking to the future leaders of America”.

With three veterans on stage holding a large American flag aloft, Grigsby greeted the youngsters and explained why they were visiting. He introduced the auxiliary members visiting with the veterans. Cathy Milstead, president of the VFW Post 7288 Auxiliary, asked the students to rise and led them, standing solemnly with hands over their hearts, as they recited the pledge of allegiance, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

Commander Grigsby gave a spirited explanation of the symbolism and method for folding an American Flag, while the three veterans on stage performed the ceremony. There are 13 Triangular folds. The commander explained each symbolic meaning as the flag was folded into triangles thirteen times. Each of the thirteen folds carries a specific, symbolic meaning, such as honoring life, belief in eternal life, and tribute to veterans who served the country. The triangular folding method creates a shape reminiscent of a revolutionary war soldier's hat, symbolizing those who served under George Washington and preserving the nation's freedoms.

Cathy Milstead talked about the history and evolution of the flag while VFW Auxiliary members held up various flags and showed students color flag photos. Explaining how to respect the flag, Cathy talked about guidelines for displaying, saluting and caring for flags. "Never throw an old flag in the trash” Cathy reminded the students. The VFW, as well as the American Legion and Elks each have special receptacles at their meeting halls where the public can drop off old flags to be retired properly.

Cathy asked the students if they understood what the words of the Pledge Of Allegiance meant and was surprised as dozens of hand shot up. Asking, what is a pledge and what does allegiance mean, Cathy explained what each of the thirty one words of the pledge actually means so the students might better understand what it stands for when they recite it in the future, although they seem to already have a good start.

"I was absolutely blown away!” said Vietnam Veteran Jay Bertha. "Not only were these kids familiar with the Pledge of Allegiance, they knew all the words to the National Anthem, and sang it with gusto!” 

Commander Grigsby ended the program with questions and answers, as again, dozens of hands were raised. The students were very polite, very interested and very knowledgeable. Wading into the excited crowd of students, with his microphone, Grigsby was treated like a celebrity gameshow host, as the students competed, asking and answering questions. "You guys are amazing” praised Commander Grimsby.  every time he quizzed them, they always came up with correct answers. 

VFW Auxiliary members Fran and Jennifer Redfield had organized gift bags. The Auxiliary members stepped forward to hand them out to the students 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 bags were quickly opened and smiling faces welcomed the goodies inside.

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.