The student council at Will Rogers Elementary School was given a hands on lesson on the proper way to fold the American Flag by members of the American Legion Post 339 of Ventura on Friday October 5. Student Council members of the 4 th and 5 th grade classes listened as Commander Jeff McKendry along with Richard Klock and Tony Sandoval explained some of the history of Old Glory and how it came to be the official symbol of the United States. Everyone present, including Principal Tricia Short, then got a hands on exercise as to exactly how the Stars and Stripes are to be folded when retired for the day. Student Council members will begin the honorable task of hoisting the school's flag up the pole each morning and retiring it at the end of the school day. Everyone did a great job trading off as "holders and folders". Upon completion of the demonstration and exercise, everyone was given a packet that contained detailed instructions on flag folding, a small flag and a small zip lock bag. They were told by Commander McKendry that the small flags are part of the Pocket Flag program initiated by the Boy Scouts and adopted by the American Legion Auxiliary that involved folding the flags, placing them into the baggie and sending them to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The troops then put them in their pocket as a reminder that those of us at home are proud of them.

The American Legion encourages all schools to learn and teach proper flag etiquette. The American Legion is a great way to learn all about the American Flag and how to respect its significance. Those wishing to learn more can contact the American Legion in Ventura at 653-1339 for more information.