American Flag Making Helps Loudoun Students Learn Meaning Of Memorial Day

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — As Loudoun County Public Schools prepared for a three-day Memorial Day weekend, young students learned the meaning behind why they get the day off.

Over 3,100 first grade students at 37 Loudoun County elementary schools participated in a new "Together in Remembrance" event. Students built wooden American flags from kits donated by the veteran-owned Flags of Valor and assembled them with help from fifth graders, veterans, active service members, community members and staff. The flags are displayed at schools and were given to veterans through organizations.

"Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to remember and think about sacrifices made to protect, defend and support our country," said Renee Dawson, director of teaching and learning at LCPS. "Together in Remembrance is an event that deepens students' understanding of Memorial Day through hands-on learning experiences."

Along with the flag-building activity, elementary school students at participating schools had lessons associated with Memorial Day in their social science and global studies classes. Students learned about Memorial Day's origins honoring military members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ashburn's Legacy Elementary got a visit from Col. Thomas Smith, a retired helicopter pilot and Purple Heart recipient whose daughter works at the school as a reading specialist. At the event, Smith said he was thankful to attend and "honor the fallen and show gratitude to the current members of the military and their spouses."

Sponsors that helped LCPS with its Memorial Day programming included AFCOM Potomac, Flags of Valor, Loudoun Virginia Economic Development, Rosendin, Google, HITT, Paperfish Creative and Sabey Data Centers.