Cloudy / 71° F
Respecting the red, white and blue
Published 11:04am Monday, June 18, 2012Campers learn proper flag etiquette in observance of Flag Day
Campers at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Day Camp learned about American flag etiquette Thursday morning in observance of National Flag Day.
Instructor Barbara Sokol taught campers how to stand at attention, the proper civilian salute, as well as why they should place their right hand over their heart when saying the “Pledge of Allegiance” or singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”
“Today is all about teaching the children how they should be role models,” Sokol said. “Even these few children who came today will be role models for others at the ball games to know just how to take care of and respect the flag.”
Jennifer Baker, Alexander City Parks and Recreation Camp Program Coordinator, said the Day Camp provides many opportunities to learn.
“It’s something we wanted to do to celebrate Flag Day, and we just like to introduce them to things they might not otherwise get to do,” Baker said.
Sokol also taught the campers that a flag, which has thirteen strips, 50 stars and a field of blue, should never touch the ground. She also said the only time a flag is turned upside down is in distress, and the field of blue should always face the left side when it’s displayed.
After sharing how to respect and handle the flag, Sokol taught the campers how to properly fold a flag with the help of a few camper and counselor volunteers.
Also during the flag etiquette lesson, local music artist, Tina Marie, sang “Proud to be an American,” and the children joined in.
Marie shared with the campers that her father was a U.S. Marine and fought in the Korean Conflict.
“The flag is so important to us because our military, our founding fathers so to speak, your grandfathers and great grandfathers, have shed their blood and died so we can sit here and talk about that wonderful flag today,” Marie said. “That’s why it’s so important to know what it’s all about.”
Afterward the campers and counselors headed over to a flagpole and raised the flag.
They then stood at attention with their hands on their hearts and said the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Marie then led them in singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Also in observance of Flag Day, Radney Funeral Home sponsored a free event to properly retire old American flags. The event was held at the Sportplex near the Veterans Memorial.
