American Legion Post 1181 members Barry Schnipper, Tom Nosworthy, Jim Scali and Paul Eurich paid a visit to Circleville Elementary School earlier this week to talk with fourth-graders about freedom and patriotism, and the responsibilities that come with them.

 

 

Each of the men talked about their time in the service as the students listened attentively. The veterans told the students about what makes the United States a special place to live – we have free speech, the right to worship whatever religion we choose, to dress the way we wish, the right to a trial by our peers, and much more.

But living in America comes with the responsibility to keep those freedoms, they said. What can the students do to maintain those freedoms?

“Be active, informed citizens. Don’t be apathetic,” said Mr. Schnipper. “Our country suffers from an apathetic populace. People think ‘what’s the use? I can’t make a difference.’ But you can. You have a vote, use it!”

 

 

The veterans were impressed when they got the correct answer from one of the students about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is when we honor those whose lives were lost while serving. On Veterans Day, we honor all who served our country.

 

 

Two of the veterans, Tom Nosworthy and Paul Eurich, gave a brief lesson on the flag, including what the field of blue, white stars, white stripes and red stripes stand for. The blue is for bravery, the stars represent our states, the red stripes are for the blood that has been shed and the white stripes stand for the purity of our democracy

Then they demonstrated how to fold a flag properly, into a triangle.

 

 

Students asked about the proper way to dispose of a torn or unusable flag. Mr. Schnipper said that many veterans organizations have flag retirement services where the flags are burned and the ashes are buried. He said it is a respectful way to do it.

“Having the veterans come in to share their experiences and explain patriotism tour students is vital,” Circleville Elementary School Principal Kristin Slover. “We thank them for their service and for offering to come in and educate our students.”

 

The veterans thanked the students for their attention and handed each of them a yellow bracelet that said ‘Patriot’ on it.

 

 

On Veterans Day and every day, we thank our veterans for their service to our country and for protecting our freedoms.