PATRIOTISM PRESENTATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

Designed to be presented to student leaders, athletes and ROTC members.

Introduction by Speaker A…

“Speaker A” When we talk about Patriotism, we have to talk about symbols that represent Patriotism.

Symbols represent teams, organizations, and countries. One symbol might be a school’s mascot at a sporting event such as the bulldog at University of Georgia, (What is its name? UGAH.) or a logo for a company such as the white and blue letters that spell IBM. For a country or state it includes many symbols such as the bird, flower, song, or flag. For America the bird is the bald eagle. Can you believe that Benjamin Franklin wanted it to be the turkey? Thanksgiving would definitely NOT be the same if that had come true. The national flower is the rose, that’s one of the reasons for the rose garden at the White House in Washington. The National Anthem is the Star Spangled Banner. And then there is the American Flag. Let’s talk about some of these symbols and how they originated, and what they mean to us.

Quoting the United States Supreme Court

“A person gets from a symbol the meaning he puts into it.”

The Flag is one of the most prominent symbols of any country. It is representative of the beliefs of its people. That is one of the reasons we stand in respect when it is presented. The colors and design contain significance for its people. In sporting events, meetings, schools and organizational events it is usually prominently displayed.

The American Flag

“Speaker B” The American flag has a special symbolism to Americans that no other nation’s flag has. It was the FIRST American icon, the first time the country had come together. ………As you can see there are many guidelines that need to be followed, and these are just the tip of the iceberg. There are even guidelines on how to dispose of a flag, not just toss it in the garbage can.

“Speaker A” Another symbol of our pride in being an American is the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge we gave at the start of this assembly is not the same as it was when it was first used. It started out as:

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands - one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

On September 8,1892, the Boston based "The Youth's Companion" magazine published these few words for students to repeat on Columbus Day that year. It was written by Francis Bellamy, the circulation manager and native of Rome, New York, and reprinted on thousands of leaflets. It was sent to public schools across the country. On October 12, 1892, the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival, more than 12 million students recited the Pledge of Allegiance, thus began a school-day ritual.

At the first National Flag Conference in Washington D.C., on June 14, 1923, a change was made. For clarity, the words "the Flag of the United States of America" replaced "my flag" and in 1956 they changed one phrase to “one nation under God”.

It was not until 1942, 50 years after it was first used by students, that Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance. One year later, in June 1943, the Supreme Court ruled that school children could not be forced to recite it. In fact, today only half of our fifty states have laws that encourage the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom!

National Anthem – “The Star-Spangled Banner”

If there is anything taken more seriously than the US flag, it's possibly the national anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner accompanies just about every major American function, and at major sporting events a significant honor is bestowed on those asked to sing what is probably the best-known national anthem in the world.

We brought with us today a special guest who was there when The Star-Spangled Banner began. Let me introduce you to Francis Scott Key.

(Here Francis Scott Key takes over – after he finishes – continue and close with below)

Go To Script for Francis Scott Key character

 “Speaker A” Thank you Mr. Key. It was in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson ordered that this song should become the National Anthem and played by the military and naval services, but it wasn't until March 3rd, 1931 that it was officially designated as the National Anthem by act of Congress:

As athletes and upperclassmen (or whomever in the group), you automatically take on a new responsibility that is frequently overlooked – the role of a leader and a mentor, to younger kids who look up to you, and to your fellow students. You set the example for others. Whether you know it or not, people are watching and following you and your actions.

“Speaker B” One perfect example of such display is at the Olympics where it is displayed while the winners of various events are standing on the stage after receiving medals. They demonstrate clearly their love of their country, their flag, and what they stand for.

“Speaker A” This is why it is extremely important that you understand and respect this responsibility and how it relates to the presentation of the American Flag and the National Anthem. What we’re asking of you is to show and demonstrate that same level of respect every time you recite the Pledge of Allegiance or hear the National Anthem being played.

This country has provided you the opportunity and freedom to participate in your activities, your sports, get an education, practice any type of religion you desire, along with many other freedoms that other countries do not have. This country and its founders have given us the “liberty and justice” for all.

Hopefully when you now say the Pledge of Allegiance you will comfortably put your hand over your heart and think of all the things this pledge and this flag stand for while you recite the words of acknowledgement of your freedoms.

Hopefully when you now hear the National Anthem you will quietly stand, look at the flag as Francis Scott Key did, and share in the thoughts and pride one man wrote to share his experiences in being proud to be an American. Thank you for being our leaders. I would like to introduce … (introduce student to sing the anthem)