Videos highlight the Legion’s four premier youth programs while two comic books educate elementary students on the importance of our flag.
The American Legion recognizes February as Americanism Month – a time to reflect on the importance of upholding what the Preamble to The American Legion Constitution states, which is “To foster and perpetuate a 100 percent Americanism.” The Legion’s third pillar embodies respect for the U.S. flag, patriotism, and roles and responsibilities as American citizens.
To support this effort and educate today’s young people about what Americanism is, the Legion has videos on its premier youth programs to promote and comic books for purchase to distribute.
The Legion’s premier youth programs – Boys Nation, Oratorical Contest, Legion Baseball and Junior Shooting Sports – engage students in civics, sportsmanship, marksmanship skills and government instruction while instilling patriotism and active citizenship. Videos for each individual program are available to view and share with Legion Family members, students and parents. Access the videos here.
A combined video of all four programs is online here.
The two comic books are “I Pledge Allegiance” and “Our Country’s Flag.”
“I Pledge Allegiance” is an interactive activity book for elementary students that educates on why we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, what each word means, and why our flag is important. In the comic book, a group of classmates follow a bald eagle named Abe as he shares these answers, along with why the flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes, and how to recite the Pledge properly. For activities, the comic book features an American flag for kids to color, a set of pictures that asks students to put an X where people are showing allegiance to the flag, a blank box to draw what freedom means, space to write in our freedoms, a connect the dots and a matching game.
“Our Country’s Flag” is a story about how the U.S. flag inspired four friends to lead different lives – a teacher, congresswoman, police officer and Army nurse. The comic book also walks youth in ways they can show what freedom means to them such as paying respect to the flag by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, respecting and obeying the law, and volunteering for public service. And it gives examples of how to treat the flag with respect, including to bring an unserviceable flag to a local American Legion post for proper disposal. This comic book is an educational tool Legion Family members can give to elementary students to help them understand the importance of our flag, how to show respect for it, and how to protect our country’s freedoms.
- Dispatch