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Airmen teach students proper flag procedures

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zoe M. Wockenfuss
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Members of Team Dover’s Base Honor Guard taught students from St. John’s Lutheran School how to properly fold the American flag August 30, 2018, in Dover, Del.

St. John’s seventh and eighth graders are tasked with raising and lowering the flag each day. In addition to flying the colors, the school recites the Pledge of Allegiance every morning before classes start.

It’s important for the students to understand all that the flag stands for and what it means to the American people, said Dr. Dina Vendetti, principal of St. John’s Lutheran School. Learning to take proper care of the flag helps instill in them a respect for what it means and who it represents.

Two of Team Dover’s base honor guard members, Airman 1st Class Mason Kreitzer and Airman 1st Class Kyle Wood, volunteered to teach the students the proper procedures on handling the flag.

“I believe it's important for the students to understand how to properly respect the flag at the young ages of 12-14 so that future generations inherit the same feelings and don’t just kick the flag to the side,” said Wood.

Kreitzer and Wood explained to the children the importance of the flag and the symbolic nature it has during ceremonies. They also demonstrated and taught them how to raise and lower it properly, and described how the flag is to be raised quickly and lowered slowly.

“I believe that if we instill some of these values in our young people now, they will grow up to be grateful people who understand what they've been given,” said Vendetti. “Raising and lowering our flags each day also sends a message to the community that we are all in this together -- one nation, under God.”