Teach our kids about freedom and reverence,’ American Legion National Commander says
March 26, 2015
‘Teach our kids about freedom and reverence,’ American Legion National Commander says
“A teachable moment,” is how American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm characterized a photograph of children climbing on the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which has gone viral in social media. “I am not angry with the children in the photograph who probably did not understand the significance of their actions and weren’t intending to be disrespectful. I do not know enough about the circumstances to know if their parents or caretakers were aware of it. But when I hear stories of joggers running through the grounds of the Vietnam Memorial or of people speaking loudly near the Tomb of the Unknowns, I can’t help but think that America needs a refresher course on dignity, reverence and respect. Baseball caps should come off when the Star-Spangled Banner is played and everybody should stand. The Internet is showing us that these type of incidents are no longer isolated but are sadly becoming too common.”
With a current membership of 2.3-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 14,000 posts across the nation.
