September 11th, 2001, is a day that no current Pre-K through 12th grade student, and even some teachers, were actually alive for, but for almost the last 10 years American Legion Post 243, out of Scotts Hill, have come to Scotts Hill Elementary to share their Soldiers Cross and Thirteen Fold ceremonies with the students. “One of our favorite things to do is come to work with the children in the schools,” says West Tennessee Vice Commander for the State of Tennessee, Joel Pipkin, Jr. This morning our students sat in the gym enthralled as the veterans honored all of those affected by the September 11th attacks. They enjoyed watching the local veterans describe what the soldier’s cross is and the meaning of each part that builds it. Students also learned what each fold of the American flag means as it is meticulously folded for presentation.
Every year the American Legion Post 243 volunteers their time and expertise to our school and our school’s Honor Guard. The Honor Guard is a group of 7th and 8th grade students that exhibit qualities such as dependability, honesty, and patriotism. These students work closely with the American Legion members as the veterans teach them the importance of the flag, the proper ways to display and handle the flag, and train them to perform the Thirteen Fold Ceremony at our Veteran’s night basketball game. We appreciate all of the time and effort that the American Legion Post 243 puts into instilling a sense of pride for our country and traditions into our children at Scotts Hill Elementary.
Honor Guard members include: Stetson Wood, Sydney Jones, Jaelyn Smith, James Arnold, Megan Alford, Skylar Crews, Connor Kincaide, Tanner Tucker, Jimmie Gary, and Robert Rodgers.