September17th, is Constitution Day. It is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia. The law establishing the present holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions, and all federal agencies, provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.-wikipedia
In preparation for "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day", Gilbert Intermediate school teacher, Amanda Stanfield contacted American Legion Post 240 Adjutant Roger Easter and together they organized a day of learning resulting in Post 240 Legionnaires, some dressed in their military uniform, conducting classes and demonstrating proper flag folding, flag etiquette and from a veteran’s perspective, how the U. S. Constitution is embodied in the U. S. Flag.Navy Commander and Post 240 Past Commander and Honorary Life Member, Burton Smith begins the first of three Gilbert Intermediate social classes he will moderate on this 2019 Constitution Day.
Burton’s tenure at Tarleton State University as a Spanish language professor was evident as he presented the history and merits of Constitution Day and how the constitution is embodied in the U.S. Flag. The class concluded with a flag folding demonstration by Legionnaires with Burton explaining the meaning of the 13 folds.
Navy Veteran, LCDR Jim Pack, moderator of (4) afternoon classes with assistance from his comrades conducts flag etiquette and folding lessons explaining the purpose of the 13 folds.
Post 240 membership can be proud of; and owes a debt of gratitude to Burton Smith, Jim Pack, Richard Petronis, Jimmy Finney, Greg Thompson, Tami Barker (volunteered but illness prevented her participation) and Roger Easter for devoting their time and talent to this event and its contribution to the implementation of the 3rd purpose of the American Legion constitution preamble- ‘To foster and perpetuate a 100% Americanism.’
Americanism as defined in the American Legion Officer’s Guide; “Americanism is the gist of the American ideals of freedom, justice, individual rights and unlimited opportunities. It embraces all the freedoms we cherish and all the rights that are guaranteed to us. It is the very opposite of hatred, bigotry and intolerance. Americanism is the creed that has blazed the world-wide trail for justice, fair play, decency, belief in GOD, private enterprise, universal education, and progress in all human endeavors. It puts a premium on the virtues of loyalty, patriotism, hard work and thrift.”
“Speakers from the American Legion visited our students at Gilbert Intermediate. These veterans shared with our kids about the U.S. Constitution, Flag etiquette and their time in the military. We thank them for their service and sacrifice for our freedoms. It was an honor to have them with us today.” -Amanda Stanfield
