Dear Oregon Auxiliary Family,     

 I hope that you had a fun and safe summer. For many of you it is a: Halleluiah school is back in session!  For us it’s an opportunity to promote, embrace and acknowledge Americanism in our youth and their educational team.

 September is saturated with Americanism and Awareness.  There are five designated days of remembrance: *Patriot Day (11), *Constitution/Citizen Day (17), US Air Force Birthday (18), *POW/MIA Recognition Day (20), and *Gold Star Mother’s Day (29).  The asterisk indicates fly the flag specifically for.  Suicide awareness encompasses the full month; remember this signs and don’t stop talking. 

 How do we decide which to honor if we can’t physically do them all properly?  Do what you can and do it well.  I recommend focusing on what may be least known to the public and consider bringing it into the classroom. POW/MIA needs to be defined what the acronym stands for. "Use real words;” spell and speak it out. Prisoner of War, Missing in Action.  Our organization.  That’s how people learn what it means, and it opens conversation.  Also use your flags, buddy poppies, pencils, bookmarks, color books and so on. 

 As you are busy aiding the VFW with Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriot’s Pen (PP) Scholarships?  Please note the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award is an Americanism Award.  Yes, it gets grouped with the VOD and PP with due date and theme, but it’s not a scholarship.  Reach out to the Vice and Head Principles at your schools to identify which teachers strive to instill American Patriotism in the classroom to be considered for this award.

 Please also be willing to discuss the right for students to salute our flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week under ORS 339.875; recently revised May 2025.  You can access this at: https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_339.875.

 You my dear family are one of the best resources in your communities to mentor Americanism. Thank you for your much appreciated work and passion loving our country and her people.

Yours in God and Country,