One-Track Recollections

Sometimes I have a one-track mind when it comes to remembering, so I will continue with more memories of early school days. A lot of you will remember starting the school day by being one of two that had been assigned the duty (or privilege) of raising the flag. Sometimes the assignment was on a daily basis and other times weekly. I know that the students had this privilege rain or shine, freezing cold, or lovely warm sunshine. I am sure that the same students were on duty at the end of the day to lower, fold, and put the flag away until the next day. The key word in this last sentence is FOLD. Do young students have any idea of the proper way to fold a flag today?

Skipping back to the beginning of the day, each day began, of course, with the Pledge of Allegiance, maybe followed by some of those difficult-to-sing patriotic songs. At what period in time did this become a lost tradition, and why have some decided this is not acceptable?

Driving home the other day, I was listening to the radio, “That Ragged Old Flag,” by Johnny Cash, was played. This is a history lesson all in itself and could, should, be on our minds every time we see our flag.