SMETHPORT — Four members of the Smethport VFW Auxiliary presented an assembly on patriotism Thursday for Pre-K and kindergarten students at the Smethport Area Elementary School.
Cheryl Razey, Jo Ann Tanner, Carrie Kisko and Gerry Ford explained the significance of patriotic items contained in a little brown bag: American flag; red, white and blue pin; poppy; Random Act of Patriotism card and a coloring book that contains a copy of the Pledge of Allegiance.
At the assembly’s conclusion, the students each received similar bags containing these items.
Speaking about the American flag, Ford told the students, “When you see a flag in a parade, you should stand up and place your hand over your heart.” Demonstrating the posture, Ford said, “We do this to show respect for the flag because we know that our country is a great place to live.”
Kisko summarized the meanings of the patriotic colors of the pin, saying, “Of course, these are the colors of our flag and all mean something. “The blue means we’re fair, the white means our heart is pure and clean, and the red means we’re brave.”
Tanner said the little flower is a poppy made by our veterans. Holding up a poppy, she said, “You’ve probably seen someone giving poppies like this to people who are watching a parade. Poppies are very important to our veterans because they remind them of other soldiers who have fought in wars.”
Referring to the copy of the Pledge of Allegiance, Razey explained the opening words: ‘I pledge allegiance to the flag,” saying, “That’s making a promise to our flag, a promise that the flag will always be important to you. The words, ‘of the United States of America,’ remind you that our flag is important even if you don’t live in Pennsylvania.”
Taking the coloring book, Ford continued the pledge’s meaning, commenting, “‘and to the republic for which it stands,’ again talks about all of the states.” Pointing to the picture in the section: “one nation under God,” which showed all of our 50 states, Ford remarked, “All our states together are a nation.”
“‘Indivisible’ is a big word,” according to Ford, adding “It means we’ll stick together like good friends.”
“With liberty and justice for all” means we’re fair to everyone,” Kisko remarked. “No matter where they’re from, what they look like or how many things they have. It’s kind of a nice way to say that we won’t bully people. Being a bully is bad, right?” To which the youngsters responded with a resounding “Yes!”
“Did everyone learn a little something today about our American flag?” Tanner asked the classes. Again, an exuberant “Yes!”
“Just remember,” Tanner added, “it’s so very important to show respect whenever you see the American flag. And maybe, you can teach someone how important that is.”
Tanner also explained the word “patriotism” in the Random Act of Patriotism card, saying, “‘Patriotism’ is the love that a person feels for his or her country. What we’ve been talking about today is a love for our country.”
