Editor:
First off, kudos to The New Era for the great coverage of Veterans Day in last week’s paper. We are a military family and honoring our veterans and our country means everything to us.
Secondly I want to thank the Sweet Home Charter School for everything they do for the Veterans. In the seven years that we went to the Sweet Home Charter School we saw more and more involvement for honoring the veterans and the importance of our flag under the great leadership of Monica Isom, the principal.
Several years ago the VFW was invited to teach the students how to fold the flag and how to raise and lower the flag on the pole daily. The Charter School also has all the students meet in the gym every morning for the Pledge of Allegiance, before classes start.
In the last few years the school has honored veterans during the Veteran’s Day holiday week. Students invite family members who are active duty or former veterans to be recognized at an assembly. Children prepare a great event with songs, pictures and true patriotism.
Finally I post a challenge to all the Sweet Home public and private schools to teach and recognize our flag and veterans. I know for a fact that the VFW would be very happy to teach all students flag etiquette and participate in any Veteran’s Day ceremony.
What we do need are leaders from the school district board and principals at the schools, to take the lead? There are many parents that are more than willing to help organize and be involved with the task for such events. Our kids are worth being taught how important our country is and acknowledging it with patriotism.
Our flag deserves respect. Our veterans earned the right to be honored. God bless the USA.
My challenge is out.
Nancy Patton
Sweet Home