Post#287 was asked if they could come to a Boy Scout meeting in Mattoon and show how to fold the American Flag. We were given two days to prepare. Post #287 wanted this to go great for the Scouts, so the Post made up a package for each Scout which included a 12 inch tall flag, some candy, a folder which explained about the history of the flag and then a lesson on how to pencil sketch by doing sketches of them. The Scouts were so happy to have the American Legion at their meetings. They watched with great interest and then got the big surprise that each individual was going to fold a flag up with the Post's help. There were Girl Scouts present at the meeting and they were asked to join in the flag folding ceremony. We then asked the Boy and Girl Scouts to march behind us in the Memorial Parade, which they did with pride and both Girl and Boy Scouts had great floats praising the American Veteran. I must also say that James Williams and Richard Eibenholz, members of Post#287 were fantastic working with these children one on one. I have worked with youths for years and these two gentlemen are the greatest role models that these scouts could have. And that is what we need today is more role models for our future. The Boy Scouts honored us by giving us a 8 x 10 photo of the meeting with Post #287 and all their signatures on the frame in appreciation of the American Legion taking the time to show them how to fold a flag.

 

 

Trying to say the Boy Scout Pledge.

 

Post 287 showed them how it starts out with the flag ceremony.

 

And the Boy Scouts watched with interest as each fold, each triangle was explained for it's meaning.

 

And then it was their turn to fold the flag with the assistance of Post #287.

 

They wanted to do it perfectly!

 

Questions were asked while folding the flag and they acted like adults.

 

This little guy was so proud to be able to do this like an adult.

 

They were real close and now to learn how to tuck in the end.

 

Everyone got their picture taken when they finished.

 

This Boy Scout told Post#287 what every color of the flag meant, what each triangle represented and said the triangle represent the Colonial hats wore.

 

Post #287 got the Girl Scouts who were there involved also in folding the flag.

 

Success!

 

The last two to fold the flag. The night was a great success.

 

This little guy wrapped his arms around our feet yelling, "This was the bestest".

 

Pencil sketches were done of all the Scouts and given to them along with the pictures made into videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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