Bandera County American Legion Honor Guard Newz

MEDINA, TEXAS — Flags, history, music, and a whole lot of questions filled the Medina Community Library this week as approximately 55 Medina Elementary “Bobcats” got an up-close and firsthand lesson in what the American flag really means.  Students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades joined teachers and volunteers for a special, interactive patriotism program presented by the Bandera County American Legion Honor Guard. The program, hosted by the Medina Community Library, was the culmination of the library’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.

And this wasn’t your typical classroom lesson.  The students didn’t just hear about the flag, they learned how to respect it, care for it, and properly fold it themselves.

The multimedia presentation covered the history of the U.S. flag, the U.S. Flag Code, proper flag etiquette, the history of the Star-Spangled Banner and the traditions surrounding America’s most recognizable symbol.  The presentation culminated with a demonstration of the proper way to fold the American flag. Then the students divided into groups and got to try it themselves, with members of the Honor Guard providing guidance along the way.

For the Honor Guard, the program represents a mission that goes beyond the traditional ceremonies for which they are known.  “The Honor Guard has been effective in and around Bandera County providing the normal services an Honor Guard is known for,” said Ron Clarke, a member of the Honor Guard team. “However, we as a group thought that developing a very interactive and fun show for all ages was something that we needed to do.  We now have two programs; one for students up to 12 years old and another for ages 13 and above.”

The educational program was launched approximately three years ago and has continued to grow alongside the Honor Guard itself. The program has been used by various non-profits for their monthly gatherings as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County at their summer programs.

According to Clarke, the Medina students brought exactly the kind of enthusiasm the program was designed to encourage.  “This group was fun and cooperative and asked a lot of questions that were curious, engaging and thoughtful,” Clarke said. “They certainly seemed to be the liveliest and most attentive. It was an excellent group!”

The Honor Guard expressed its appreciation to the Medina Community Library and its staff for the invitation to participate in the library’s 250th Anniversary celebration, as well as to the students and Medina Elementary faculty for their enthusiastic participation.

Two Legion Posts, One Community Mission.

The Bandera County American Legion Honor Guard is a cooperative effort involving American Legionnaires from both Bandera Post #157 and Lakehills Post #410.  Together, members provide military honors and memorial services throughout the county, including bugling, flag presentations and ceremonial services at funerals, memorials, and special events. Their educational outreach program has added another important dimension to that service.

Rick Olivarez, Commander of American Legion Bandera Post #157 and a member of the Honor Guard, said "the partnership demonstrates what can happen when neighboring Legion posts work toward a common goal. Our posts working as a team to promote veteran awareness in Bandera County shows that sister posts can have a mutual goal and meet that goal while having fun, enjoying the camaraderie and working with the community,” Olivarez said. “Our post is proud to be a part of this mutual effort.”

Cody Anderson, Commander of Lakehills American Legion Post #410, echoed those sentiments and pointed out that Honor Guard members bring their commitment to service back to their individual posts as well.  “The Honor Guard not only serves the community, but at both posts these members serve in executive roles of leadership for their respective posts,” Anderson said. “So, while we see them most often publicly in their traditional Honor Guard role, those of us at the post level rely on them as strong volunteers within our own post.”

From honoring veterans who have passed to teaching the next generation how to properly handle the American flag, the Bandera County American Legion Honor Guard is finding new ways to serve—and to keep patriotism alive in the community.

Want the Honor Guard at Your Organization?

The Bandera County American Legion Honor Guard offers this free, interactive multimedia patriotism program to businesses, organizations, clubs, and community groups.

To learn more or schedule a presentation, call the Honor Guard Hotline at (830) 529-0035. To learn more about the many programs of the Medina Community Library, visit them online at www.medinacommunitylibrary.us