Patriotic Instructor

Team Chair	Co-Chair
Irma Solis PO Box 864 Elsa, Texas 78543 (956)607-4036 soyigs@yahoo.com	Delores Solis PO Box 419 Edcouch, Texas 78538 (956)246-5889

Patriotic Instructors have a very prestigious position in the VFW Auxiliary. They have the “honor” to educate and promote patriotism and citizenship in their Auxiliary and in the community. They instruct and inform auxiliary members on the correct way to salute our Flag, on the meaning of “parade rest,” how to stand at “attention,” and the meaning of the raps of the gavel.

Patriotic Instructors should participate in the School of Instruction at the beginning of the year after our State Convention. They should speak at each meeting under the “Good of the Order” and at initiation of new members.

At the public level, the Patriotic Instructor should educate the youth and community members about patriotism through distribution of patriotic literature, by visiting schools, attend community meetings, and let us not forget about the impact of social media. Great tool to use to get the word out.

This will be a learning and fun year. To teach Americanism is to practice being Patriotic Auxiliaries. Go into elementary classrooms to teach the Pledge of Allegiance, colors of the American Flag, the meaning. Of. The stripes, the meaning of the stars. This can be done using coloring sheets of the Flag. The story of Betsy Ross can be told as they color.

Grades K – 3 – Topic for lessons:

1. Teach Pledge of Allegiance
2. Color or draw an American Flag
3. Teach why the 13 stripes and number of stars
4. Read the story of Betsy Ross

Grades 4 – 8 – Topic for lessons:

1. Teach why the respect and proper care of the U.S. Flag.
2. Teach flag etiquette covering proper display to acceptable conduct around the Flag.

Auxiliaries can teach Americanism to the community by visiting centers where adults meet and recognize Veterans by handing out certificates for their service. Another way is by explaining the makeup of the flags used for the Presentation of Colors followed by bringing their local post to present the Colors.

Holidays that present opportunities to do the above:

1. March 29th – National Vietnam War Recognition Day
2. May 1st – Loyalty Day
3. 3rd Saturday in May – Armed Forces Day
4. May 30 (traditional) – Memorial Day
5. June 14 – Flag Day
6. July 4 – Independence Day
7. September 11 – Patriot Day
8. 3rd Friday in September – POW/MIA Remembrance Day
9. Last Sunday in September – November 11
10. November 11 – Veterans Day
11. December 7 – Pearl Harbor Day

Auxiliaries can present Certificates of Recognition to places or families that display the American Flag in their businesses or at their homes.

Auxiliaries can visit cemeteries and put flags on Veterans’ graves on Memorial Day. They can join their post in activities during Memorial Day, Flag Day, POW/MIA Remembrance Day, our Veterans Day at school functions, parades, assemblies, etc.

Auxiliaries can participate by assisting the Post by taking the contest of the Smart/Maher National Citizenships Education Teacher into schools.

Auxiliaries can recognize Blue Star Mothers and families and/or Gold Star Mothers and families.

“Honor, Courage, Commitment For Our Veterans”
“Honoring our Mission to Serve Veterans”