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| By Paula Canning Staff Writer CHICOPEE Mike Schieb of the American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 12 has worked for the past few years to promote the importance of flag education and hopes to continue his efforts with a flag sale, slated to take place July 8 at the Sheridan Circle. Proceeds from the flag sale will help Schieb continue to bring the Flag Education Program to Chicopee Schools, which he has done along with his wife, Bonnie, since 2003. "The American flag is more than just a piece of cloth, just like the Bible is more than just a book," Schieb said. "It was earned with the blood of those who served in combat." Schieb explained that he began to help out with the program alongside Korean War Veteran John Cochran, who passed away in 2001 from melanoma cancer, and then assumed sponsorship of the program with the support for the AMVETS in honor of his longtime friend. He explained that Cochran, who served eight years in the U.S. Air Force, had a "pet peeve" about improper flag etiquette. "He would ride around the city during the holidays and see who had their flag properly displayed," he said. According to Schieb, proper flag etiquette is just one of the many components included in the Flag Education Program, which is a national program. He explained that the program, which is intended to help teachers and librarians nationwide meet certain federal guidelines for social studies, provides participating schools with an American flag, and an easy to follow flag history video with interactive materials, accompanied by additional information about flags around the world. "People that came to this country came from all around the globe and continue to do so, so it's important that their history and heritage is understood and protected. "If kids understand that this country is made up of many other countries around the world, then maybe they'll [develop] a better appreciation of America itself," he said. He added that the program includes study guides for the teachers to use to inspire discussions and questions. This year, Schieb said he hopes to focus on elementary school students, because the program is designed to target that age group. He said that he will maintain sponsorship of the middle schools, but will no longer sponsor high schools and libraries, which he said has not brought back positive feedback. "I think the high school kids are just too old for the program materials," he said. He said that flag education is something that is often overlooked, and that many adults do not know a great deal about the American flag. He said, for example, that "Most people don't know that 63 different flags have represented the United State at any given point in history." According to Schieb, flag education is especially important in light of the war in Iraq, because improper flag etiquette is even more offensive to those who served in the military. The flag sale will feature a variety of polyester three by five foot novelty and and United States flags, among others. Other patriotic items will be for sale as well, including yellow ribbons worn to support United State troops in Iraq. The flag sale will take place in conjunction with the Community Tag Sale, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 8. According to Schieb, AMVETS is an open organization that currently has an estimated 300 members. Unlike many other veterans organizations that have membership requirements in regards to dates of service, Schieb said that any honorably discharged veteran is welcome to join the organization. |