Estela’s Escuelas: First graders at Milam Elementary school receive a lesson on the American flag

First grade students at Milam Elementary School, located in Fort Bliss, received a special gift tuesday morning.

Members of Voiture Locale 605 of the 40 & 80, a charitable Honor Society of American veterans, handed out mini American flags to students and also taught them the importance of our flag.

“Many have given their lives in protecting this country and one of the things you always see is the flag,” said Roger Folmar, Commander for Voiture Locale 605.

For Folmar, teaching first graders the importance of the stars and stripes is something he is passionate about.

“It’s never too early because they’ll end up picking up bad habits if we don’t teach them the proper etiquitte,” said Folmar.

Voiture Locale 605 has been serving the County of El Paso since it was first formed back in 1920.

“One of the things when we were formed back in 1920, was the education of our children. We feel that it’s very important that they have an understanding of the importance of our flag,” said Folmar.

First grade students who attended the special event gathered in the schools cafeteria to learn about our flags history, flag etiquette and most importantly, why we should always respect the American flag

“It’s an inspiration to those in war time and it’s also a symbol for our country,” said Folmar.

Once the presentation was over students eagerly waited to receive their very own mini flag.
For Folmar, it’s a way to teach young kids to take care of the flag as their own.

“I think that by giving them their own personal flag it gives them the opportunity to take care of the flag at a young age so maybe when they get older they’ll remember this and have the right perspective of how to take care of the flag and what they should do with it.”