Full Text:

Learning About The Flag And Its Symbolism

(with photos)

BY ANN MARIE COHEN

The American Legion and Auxiliary has been presenting a flag history program

to all third grade classes in the Newtown school district this month. Third

grade students have been studying United States History as a part of the

social studies curriculum.

Alice Saxton, president of Legion Auxiliary Unit 202 and Boyd Saxton,

department head of the American Legion Color Guard were the guest speakers in

Shannon Trew's third grade class at Hawley School on Friday, April 16.

Children were actively involved in the flag lesson and were quick to respond

to questions asked by the Saxtons, such as, "When a veteran dies, a flag is

draped over the coffin. It is then removed and folded in a certain way. Does

anyone know why? "

Students were able to determine by deductive reasoning that the flag was

folded 13 times to represent the original colonies. They were surprised

however to learn that the triangular shape the flag is folded into, represents

a cocked hat reminding us of the soldiers and sailors who fought to win and

keep our freedom. It also has come, Ms Saxton explained, to represent the

three branches of our government; executive, judicial, and legislative.

Relevance was given to the "Pledge of Allegiance" by talking about its meaning

and how to properly recite the pledge. Mr Saxton explained how there should be

no pause between the words "one nation" and "under God." The class then

recited the pledge together.

The Flag History Program is in its third year of operation. It has not only

educated the students about the work the American Legion does for the

community and its veterans, but also it has revealed for them the symbolic

meaning of the flag: unity and freedom.

Alice and Boyd Saxton are thankful to the schools for allowing them the

opportunity to visit. "We are grateful to Newtown for being such an open,

community-minded town. It is exceptional," said Alice Saxton.