Wednesday, May 25, 2016

LIBERTY REVIEW

LIBERTY REVIEW:

http://libertyreview76.blogspot.com/2016/05/american-kid-by-tammy-derouin-i.html

American Kid

By Tammy Derouin

I remember a time when the school day began by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. We were taught what the colors stood for, what the stars and stripes represented, the proper way to raise and lower the flag, how to handle it and above all, never, ever let it touch the ground. 

Schools began to teach American History in the elementary grades.  We knew and understood such phrases as, “One if by land, two if by sea;” and “Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.” We were taught why the original Tea Party took place and therefore understand the important symbolism it represents for a grass-roots political party today. We knew what the shot heard around the world meant and where it took place. We learned why the American Revolution was an important, world changing event.

Do you remember when patriotic songs were part of elementary music class?  Music class and music programs once included such songs as America the Beautiful, My Country ‘Tis of Thee (America) and God Bless America.  The Star Spangled Banner, our National Anthem, tells a story, through it all, our flag was still there.

We also learned songs which were unique to particular times, wars and struggles.  Yankee Doodle, Dixieland, Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree and many others helped to tie American history together.  Maybe we didn’t realize it at the time but through music we learned a few things. Remember School House Rock?  I learned the preamble to the Constitution and had fun learning how a bill is supposed to become a law by watching School House Rock.  For me, this was all part of the experience of being blessed to be an American Kid.....


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