"Old Glory" flies high over Lynn Haven Elementary

  • Published
  • By Major Veronica Kemeny
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  How do you fold an American flag? Was Betsy Ross the first person to ever sew an American flag?

These important American flag questions were answered by the 325th Fighter Wing Honor Guard who visited Lynn Haven Elementary Nov. 2 to showcase proper American flag etiquette to students that are in charge of raising and lowering the school flag each day.

More than 60 students participated in the hands-on training and Flag Jeopardy game led by the Honor Guard.

"The Honor Guard visit was a wonderful experience for the children to see," said Susan Faircloth, Lynn Haven Elementary Assistant Principal. "It is important for the children to learn how to handle the flag with respect as they raise and lower the flag."

This is the second year the Honor Guard has visited the school. Lynn Haven Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010, Amy Harvey arranged both visits. Her classroom is located next to the flag pole and her class puts up the flag each morning.

"I learn something new every time the Honor Guard comes to Lynn Haven," said Mrs. Harvey. "Lynn Haven is truly blessed to have the Honor Guard come share a special presentation with us and instruct our students in this important daily task."

"It was my first time folding the flag, said Olivia Whittle, third grader. "Folding the flag was my favorite part. Also, I learned that you can sew a rip on a flag and burn an old flag."

Even elementary students are contemplating joining the military.

"I am interested in joining the military and becoming an engineer," said fourth grader Pierce Eadie. "I liked the rifle demonstration. I also liked the flag raising and flag folding part. It is a celebration of our freedom. My grandfather has two flags that have flown over the White House and today meant a lot."

"I liked it all, said Rainn Morrow a fifth grader. "The guns were cool," said Brandi Jones, also a fifth grader.

The experience proved to be rewarding for the Honor Guard as well. The Honor Guard works hard to provide closure at funerals to the loved ones of our fallen veterans and give back to the community through countless flag ceremonies.

"We are teaching students who could be future Air Force members," said Senior Airman Gary Eaton, 325th Fighter Wing Honor Guard member. "It was definitely a change of pace to our normal duty. Our customary funeral ceremonies are very serious and we don't want to mess up anything for the families during this difficult time. With the kids we can relax and just teach them. I didn't think the kids would know that much flag trivia. They knew a lot of the answers which really surprised me. This visit has been a fun learning experience for me. It is really special that the students wanted to know what each flag fold meant."

The Honor Guard completed their flag mission at Lynn Haven with success.

"The presentation was very inspiring and we appreciate Tyndall allowing the Honor Guard to come visit," said Mrs. Faircloth. "Patriotism means a lot to us all."