Never too young to learn flag etiquette

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
LARIMORE, N.D. --  Students at Larimore Elementary School here received valuable lessons on flag etiquette from the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 97, and Boy Scout Troop number 25, Sept. 11. 

Students were first taught and then demonstrated how to properly respect the flag during the presentation of the colors. When the American flag passes by, the audience should stand and remove their hats as a sign of respect to the flag. Also, the children were told to be as quiet as possible until the flag passes by. 

"I hope the next time the children are at an event where the colors are, they think about the people who fought for them past or present," said the school's Principal, Leslie A. Wiegandt. 

The American Legion Post also passed out flags to all the students to show how to properly care for the American flag. 

"For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation's strength and unity. It's been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens," said Tech. Sgt. Eric F. Tilton, 319th Air Refueling Wing non-commissioned officer-in-charge of manpower and an active member of the American Legion. 

Students were instructed to not let the flag touch the ground, not to play with the flag like a toy and never wear the flag like an article of clothing or tie the flag around themselves. 

Flag etiquette is important because it helps teach citizenship to children and respect for their nation, said Wiegandt. 

The children also learned what to do when a flag touches the ground or is ruined beyond repair. When a flag is ruined beyond repair or it has touched the ground, the flag should be taken to any American Legion Post or government facility where it can be properly disposes of. The recommended way to dispose of an American flag is by burning it. 

"Learning proper flag etiquette is essential and having this opportunity to come out and teach these kids is awesome," said Sergeant Tilton.