Laveen Lions Club Flags for First-Graders

Lions Present 500 Flags for First-Graders

For nearly two decades the Laveen Lions have presented first graders in local schools with small American flags in a ceremony intended to teach the history of our proud national banner.

A few years ago, Lion Harry Tolliver took over the duty of presenting the flags. As you might imagine, this duty is taken very seriously. He shows up at local schools dressed in the authentic regalia of a Revolutionary War soldier complete with a tri-cornered hat.

Curious kids gather round, stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Then they sit and listen intently to the story of our original flag with its circle of thirteen stars, and of our modern one with fifty. The question is posed, “How did people live when the first flag was new?” – a history lesson follows forthwith.

This year nearly 500 first-graders at Cash, Cheatham and Laveen Elementary schools will receive flags at a cost to our club of only $80. The attached photos were taken at Cheatham School, November 20.

For more information about joining the Laveen Lions Club, contact Lion George Anderson.