VFW instills values in youth: from flag presentations to visits to the classroom, members strive to better the nation's youth

VFW Magazine, Oct, 2002

VFW members care about America's future leaders--today's youth. Through various programs and classroom visits, they work to instill a sense of pride based on the nation's founding principles.

In Pell Lake, Wis., Post 5830 presented large display copies of America's Charters of Freedom (Declaration of Independence, Constitution and the Bill of Rights) and U.S. flags to the Brookwood Elementary and Middle schools in Genoa City in the spring of 2002. Each school also received copies of the books, A More Perfect Union and Bill of Rights.

"The school will display these so that all will remember our heritage and uphold what our Republic stands for" said Harold Foreman, Post commander.

Several Post and Ladies Auxiliary members appeared at the schools for the presentations. Foreman said this is a good community service and youth-related project that any Post can undertake. By calling the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C. (1-866-325-7208), Foreman said you get a free catalog on the Charters of Freedom from which to order items for presentation.

"The Charters are the most crucial documents in our nation's history" he said. "They established the formation of our country, its foundation and principles."

Other Posts conduct flag education programs, speak in the classroom and sponsor safety programs.

Students at the elementary school in Mankato, Minn., reflect their happiness after a visit from Post 950. Members Tom Shrader and Joel Dauffenbach joined police officer Geoffrey Omschied in conducting a Lite-a-Tike program. All students recieved reflectors for their backpacks.