Youth Activities – Involve Youth in Patriotic Holidays This Summer!

Our organization has embraced change this year! We now include both men and women in the Auxiliary and both boys and girls in our Auxiliary youth groups. We committed to educate all youth about patriotism through “Our Veterans – Now and Forever.”  Many of you went above and beyond to instill pride in country, passion for community service, empathy for veterans, and commitment to higher learning in our youth of today; our future leaders.

There are still activities in the coming weeks our youth can and should participate in (report the activities on the 2016-2017 Youth Activities report):

Monday, May 30, 2016 – Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to remember, show respect, and honor the brave men and women who died while in service to our country. They paid the ultimate sacrifice and are missed by their loved ones and comrades every day of the year. This day encourages other Americans to reflect on their sacrifice.

• Share the meaning of Memorial Day with youth; tell them the differences between Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day
• Enlist the help of youth of all ages to place flags on the graves of veterans.
• Have children create a poppy craft. There are several ideas for different ages on the National Organization’s Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.com/vfwauxiliary/patriotic-crafts-for-kids/

Please note: The Flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon then raise to full staff until sunset.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 – Flag Day
Flag Day celebrates the adoption of the flag the official symbol for the United States: our Stars and Stripes. Flag Day was first recognized by Congress on June 14, 1777, which became known as Flag Day. It is an opportunity to honor the flag of our nation with proper display.

• Share the meaning of Flag Day with youth; tell them what the number of stars and stripes on the Flag represent.
• Host a community Flag Disposal or Flag Exchange Drive; ask Boy Scout Troops to assist in proper disposal of the Flag.
• Have children create a craft involving the U.S. Flag. There are many ideas on the National Organization’s Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.com/vfwauxiliary/patriotic-crafts-for-kids/

Please note: Today is also the U.S. Army’s 241^st birthday!

I have learned so much from all of you this year. I sincerely believe we started out dropping rocks in shallow puddles, but the water got deeper throughout the year and the ripples reached further. Thank you for being the rock that made the ripples!