North Carolina post hosts Flag Day ‘slurp and paint’ for kids

American Legion Post 129 in Pleasure Island, N.C., hosted its annual Flag Day event for youth ages 6-12 on June 14. The children recited the Pledge of Allegiance, learned the history of the flag and watched a flag-folding demonstration and retirement ceremony. The children also participated in painting their own flag on a small canvas.

“The pavilion was full of young little artists doing their best to paint the American flag,” said Post 129 Commander Tiffany "TAB" Bryan. “You could see the pride they each had with their own piece of art.”

After painting the flag, the children received a red, white and blue popsicle. “Hence the name ‘slurp and paint!,” Bryan said.

“The sergeant at arms prepared the flag for proper burning while I read off the retiring procedures,” she added. “The children were in awe as the flag went up in flames and asked questions about the procedures and flag history. It is so important to teach our young leaders of the future the importance of protecting our flag, and we here at Post 129 will continue to do so!”