Life Lessons For Kids: Patriotism

My father is a veteran of the Korean war.  He spent six months in combat and a lifetime loving his country.  Sometimes, kids today take where we live and the freedoms we have for granted.  How do we teach them patriotism?  The feeling of being proud to be an American?

I was at my father's cabin last weekend celebrating the Fourth of July with my family.  The kids had a blast batting rocks across the river, riding the go-cart and hanging out by the camp fire.  We did watch the movie "Independence Day."  Beyond that, there was little mention of our nation's birthday for the most of the weekend.  As we cleaned up though, "Grandpa John" asked my son and his friends to help take down the American flag for the night.  The boys helped retrieve the flag from the pole, and then I heard "Gramps"explaining to My son, Ryan, and his friends, Riley and Johnny, how to fold the flag.  Carefully, they lined up each crease and followed "Gramps"directions until it was neatly folded into the shape of a triangle.  "Gramps" provided a little insight into the ceremonial aspects of flag folding and then the boys were on their way.  While it was only a moment, someday the boys will hopefully recall the veteran who taught them a little something about patriotism.  It only takes a moment to pass the little things along, we should all do it more often.