Submitted by the Ozark Regional (Ark.) Chapter

The Ozark Regional (Ark.) Chapter is teaching the Arkansas and Missouri U.S. Flag Education programs, sponsored by the Arkansas Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, respectively, to fifth- and seventh-grade students in Benton County, Ark., and McDonald County, Mo.

During the 2023-24 academic school year alone, Lt. Col. Alan Nabb, USAF (Ret), who’s leading the chapter’s program, taught over 4,100 students in 92 presentations at 38 schools across the chapter’s catchment area. The 50-minute presentation and dialog with the students is two parts: the early history of the American flag and the U.S. Flag Code, including details about how the American flag should be displayed and what you can and cannot do with or to the flag.

“Most of the schools visited in the region still begin their day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag,” said Nabb, “so I relate what the students do for the Pledge to what they should do when the national anthem is played, when the American flag is raised and lowered, and when the U.S. flag passes by during a parade.”

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The presentation finishes with a short quiz of little-known U.S. flag facts for the students, followed by a question-and-answer period. The chapter then provides each student with a “Long May It Wave” brochure on U.S. flag etiquette and a U.S. flag lapel pin to wear or display. Both are funded by the chapter.

Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri school teachers and administrators give the presentation high praise and share how invaluable the program is to instilling national pride, patriotism, and love of country in their students.

“We hope to reach even more students during the 2024-25 school year,” said Nabb.