Americanism is one of the premier programs of the Ladies Auxiliary.  Our goals are to promote patriotism, teach students about our American heritage, demonstrate the proper care of the U. S. Flag, and ensure that the public will never forget the sacrifices made by America’s military.  All of us have many opportunities each day to promote patriotism in our own way.  What a contribution we are able to make to the people around us!  None of us need any special training to work this program.  It is a natural for us. 

We especially have an obligation to teach about our Flag.  Who has not had a special feeling in their heart when the flag passes in a parade?  On a personal note, my husband was stationed in Japan for four year.  With everything around you foreign, there always was a patriotic feeling when we returned to the military base and immediately saw the Stars and Stripes flying proudly over everything.  Another heartfelt experience is when traveling in a foreign country and you see the American Embassy with the Flag prominently flying.  Patriotism cannot help but fill your soul. 

At our monthly meetings, we listen to the words of the Patriotic Instructor:

Let us be ever mindful of our duties as members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of  Foreign Wars of the United States, to see that our Flag is never desecrated and to teach the people of our land what this means and to see that all are instructed in the pledge to the Flag.

What powerful words these are, and what a responsibility it places on each of us.  At each meeting, we must renew our resolve to promote Americanism.

In promoting Americanism, please concentrate in the following areas:

    Promote and celebrate our patriotic holidays

    Present patriotic programs in your local schools

     Offer activities (Flag coloring, the Pledge of Allegiance) to preschool through 5^th grades

     Get Out the Vote activities in your communities this election year

      POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremonies

      Present Flags to businesses and individuals in your community

      Present certificates of appreciation to those who fly the Flag on a daily basis

     Promote the National Citizenship Teacher Award to recognize those outstanding teachers who are teaching patriotism

      Publicize your programs

Together we can cover our communities with the patriotism that means so much to us.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at any time.

Alice B. Tanner
Americanism Chairman