During the spring term of the 1988-1989 school year, Arkansas’ major veterans' groups participated in the first state-coordinated effort to introduce flag etiquette to Arkansas school children including the proper way to show respect for the American flag. This flag education program has been so successful that the veterans groups are continuing to support this effort and will do so again during the 2005-2006 school year.
Representatives from Arkansas affiliates of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve Association, Jewish War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Marine Corps League will present the program to every fifth-grade classroom. Jim Miller, Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is coordinating the effort between these organizations and Arkansas schools.
The success of this program depends on the voluntary efforts of hundreds of Arkansans who care deeply about America. Representatives from one of the veterans groups in the area will be contacting the districts to request approximately forty-five minutes of classroom time to make a presentation on flag etiquette. The Department of Education appreciates each school’s cooperation with the veterans groups in this statewide effort. If a school has not been contacted in previous years but is interested in participating, please notify Alicia Boyer-Jones at Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 65, Room 119, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-370-3820, Fax 501-370-3829, or the local county veteran service officer.