CARIBOU, Maine — Seventy-six Hilltop Elementary School second-graders marched into the Maine Veteran’s home on Monday morning to show local veterans their appreciation.
After leading veterans in the pledge of allegiance, a performance of the national anthem, and “This is My Country” by Roger Emerson, the children were presented with awards for a coloring contest they had participated in.
Yvonne Theriault of the Caribou VFW Auxilliary Post 9389 read a speech to the children regarding the importance of flag etiquette. Theriault told the children the flag should be flown at half-staff on special days until noon, and then raised to its full height, that members of the armed forces should use a military salute when facing the flag, and that all hats should be removed when observing the flag. Additionally, she warned children not to let the flag touch the ground, or to fly it upside down unless there is an emergency.
“Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag,” said Theriault. “Every year the American Legion performs a ceremony to burn flags that are tattered or worn. If you have any old flags that need to be disposed of, bring them to the Legion or the VFW and they will be taken care of properly.”
The Auxiliary awarded the top 10 students in the coloring contest, with the top three receiving a monetary award, and every student receiving a ruler with a picture of the president, a pencil with the Pledge of Allegiance, a booklet about flag etiquette, and their own American flag.
