Shortly after the events of 9-11 a group of students from Hanover NH Middle and High School gathered around the outside flagpole to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Several of the students Mothers asked why the pledge wasn't said in the classroom? They were told that several of the classrooms didn't have flags....They discovered that even though State law requires that every student be given the opportunuity to say the Pledge there were many schools that were witout flags!
Thus began Operation Old Glory...
The women embarked on a quest to put a flag in every NH classroom. They worked in tandem with the American Legions who have a mission mandate to supply flags to those who need. After only five years they have managed to place 4,000 flags in 500 schools!
The women are now talking about seting up a website to help other states get flags!
Another example of everyday people...getting things done!
Edit: Brian Shulman has written a "complimentary"Post with an explanation of the Pledge of Allegiance
The Story of the Pledge of Allegiance
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Concord New Hampshire Realtor Area Information
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Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Keeler Family Realtors, a locally owned, Customer Service oriented Firm.
Joan Publishes a monthly Newsletter "Food For Thought" under the pen name Realtor Sherpa.
(Joan also answers to Miz Maven and Miss Joni.)
Joan works in Buyer and Seller Representation with concentrations in the Merrimack Valley Area and towns surrounding Concord NH - the Capital City.
"I love what I do, and it shows in how I do it"
Joan, isn't it amazing how a little idea like a lit match can spark results like a forest fire? What a GREAT story from New Hampshire. Terrific people there!!
Joan, That's interesting, even growing up I remember having a flag in every classroom and didn't think it had ever changed....I wonder if it has here? I'll have to find out but it's a great cause and I hope all the classrooms get one.
What a great cause. All states should make sure that classrooms have flags.
Joan, great example of private organizations doing what the bureaucracies failed to do. Perhaps a good follow up would be to teach the kids exactly what the Pledge of Allegiance means!
I don't know about NV's status is on flags in classrooms...it's been 20+ years since I had a child in the public school system....but if there isn't flags in all classrooms I would be willing to work to that end. Keep us posted as to whether a web site is set up.
This is great -- I was really not aware that there had to be a flag in every room. At some meetings I have gone to we have saluted a flag pin, when necessary - and once we used a tree! Oh, well, nothing like Realtor(r)s improvising.
What a wonderful cause! I remember saying the Pledge every morning during elementary school (a public school). This definitely instilled a patriotic respect for our country.
I cannot imagine a classrom without a flag! What a totally worthwhile cause and one that is well handled by dedicated private citizens. Way to go!
Hi Gary...Like so many other rural communities...grass roots efforts are alive and well in NH
Carole...I think their idea to take the effort country wide is a great one but I can't find any more info!
I agree Vicki and had no idea that they didn't!
Brian...that brings up an interesting question...I wonder how many do know the story behind the pledge?
I'll keep an eye on it Mary...It's a really worthwhile project!
LOL Joan....we've had to do that at meetings too!
Hi Rich..I think most schools still do that...I guess they all just don't have flags!
Hey Steve...it really is something what ordinary folks can accomplish!
I am sort of a Flag nut and this post gives me hope that our younger generations will come to know and understand the significance. The Pledge is good but a history lesson with it would make even better sense. Wonderful and illuminating.
William... really don't have any idea how much the kids are taught about the flag..maybe there is someone out there who does
Joan, see my post today about the Story of the Pledge of Allegiance!
Hi Brian.. I just did an Edit!!
Joan, that shocks me! My kids were homeschooled and pledged allegience every morning with their video class. What a great idea to place flags in the classroom. Thanks for sharing the story.
Government should move this efficiently. Congratulations on the people who got the job done.
Debbie...I was shocked too. I guess I just assumed....and you know what they say about that!
I agree Robert...Back to the basics...progress sure isn't working!
Joan, nice post for the Holiday and very inspirational it is always nice to read things about how people can band together to get something done.
Christopher..you are so right we can really accomplish a lot if we all just work together!