Judge David Campbell Member Kaye Greer presents flag etiquette lessons at Jasper Elementary
Flag etiquette lessons to first graders is one of the ways Tennessee Daughters of the American Revolution meets the objective of promoting patriotism, an object of the society. In the Chattanooga area there are five chapters and each one is assigned several schools to work with throughout the school year.
Classes as small as 16 students to multiple first grade classes comprised of over 100 students gathered in their classroom or the gym greet the Daughters who volunteer to present the flag etiquette lessons. Although each presenter will take a slightly different approach, but, normally, she will review the Pledge of Allegiance with the students and relate some history of the flag. She will demonstrate what to do when the flag passes, especially in a parade, and how to place their right hand over their heart. She will also remind them to stand tall when saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the United State of America. The Daughter often wears a hat so she can demonstrate that a young man must remove his hat when the flag passes by, but a young lady may keep her hat on. The lesson may include a story about Betsy Ross or another patriot. At the end of the lesson, children may receive a small flag, a Pledge of Allegiance bookmark, and coloring pages. Teachers receive a USA Flag Code brochure.
This year the Judge David Campbell Chapter has had Daughters present flag etiquette lessons to first graders at Daisy, Richard Hardy, Whitwell, South Pittsburg, Falling Water, Apison Elementary and Grace Academy. To date Judge David Campbell Chapter has taught 552 first graders to stand tall, place their hands over their hearts and honor the flag as it passes by.
To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.