Jason Estell
2019-2020 National Americanism Ambassador/Patriotic Instructor
It was great to see so many videos posted to social media of members honoring our beloved veterans out in their communities during Veterans Day celebrations. I even saw several Auxiliary members featured on their local news! What a great way to spread the word and tell our story â and the story of our veterans. Remember to take some time and report, report, report about what your Auxiliary did for Veterans Day. Do it now while it is still fresh in your mind.
Speaking of celebrating patriotic holidays and promoting patriotism, December is right around the corner and itâs time to start preparing for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7. This day is in remembrance of the 1941 surprise attack by the Japanese on U.S. military and naval forces in Hawaii. Please involve and educate your family and your community about the sacrifices many service members made for this great country nearly 80 years ago.
Understanding Auxiliary Traditions
The Patriotic Instructor shall teach members the tradition of our Auxiliary, making sure all members understand proper procedures. The Patriotic Instructor shall see the room is in keeping with the ritual and shall instruct members in the proper use of and salute to the Flag.
- The Patriotic Instructor may carry the Patriotic Instructorâs Flag in events and parades.
- The Patriotic Instructorâs Flag shall be placed on the floor level at all times and to the right of the presiding officer, between the Presidentâs and the Secretaryâs stations.
- Members of the Auxiliary shall rise and salute the Flag by placing the palm of the right hand flat over the heart, or use the Military Salute if a veteran.
- When Taps is played, all present shall stand, face the Flag and salute.
- When the Flag is displayed and the National Anthem is played or sung, all present should face the Flag and salute.
- When the Flag is not displayed and the National Anthem is played or sung, all present should face the music and salute.
Helping our new members
Do you remember your first meeting? I do â and I had no idea what they were talking about, what to do or when to do it! Please make sure to take the time to explain our traditions to new members at their first meeting. It will help them feel more at home if they know what is expected. Here are a couple examples:
Entering a meeting
- At a local Auxiliary meeting, you will enter the meeting room and once the doors are secure, you will be asked to produce your membership card/virtual membership card on your smart phone.
- During Department and National meetings, your membership card will be shown at the door or registration table.
Raps of the Gavel
- One rap = Attention
- Two raps = Rise
- Three raps = Be seated
Attention & Parade Rest
- âAttentionâ means hands at side, head up with eyes looking straight forward.
- âParade Restâ means the left foot is slightly moved to the side while bringing the arms to the small of the back. Clasp the left thumb in the right hand. Head is bowed slightly during prayer.
Showing Proper Respect for the Altar & Bible
- Whenever the Chaplin is on the floor to open or close the Bible, everyone should stop all movement and stop talking – not a peep! Please show respect.
- Members will not cross between the Presidentâs station and the Altar, as this is considered sacred ground symbolizing where our Comrades who have answered the final roll call are at rest. However, when the bible is closed, members can pass thru this area.
Watch a brief four-minute video of these traditions.
Check out additional resources here: https://vfwauxiliary.org/resources.
Thank you for all your hard work supporting our nationâs veterans and their families, and holding this great organization close to your heart. Keep up the great work and keep the spirit of aloha in your heart this holiday season.