On Sunday, January 13, members of Post #8870 presented an educational experience for the members of a local Girl Scout Troop. At the invitation of one of the Troop’s leaders, Elena Gordon, Commander Fred Apgar and Officer of the Day Jim Collins spoke to the girls about the symbolism of the American flag, flag etiquette, and explained the flag folding ceremony that is performed at the funerals of veterans.
Thanks to the arrangements made by Senior Vice Commander Chris Edwards, two members of the Washington Army National Guard Honor Guard (WAARNG) Program attended the session and provided important information regarding the flag folding ceremony. Sgt. Ray Hayes and Sgt. Misty McFarlane demonstrated the ceremony, while Jim Collins explained the meaning of each of the thirteen folds. Following a question and answer period, members of the Girl Scout Troop were given the opportunity practice the flag folding ceremony under the guidance of the two members of the Army National Guard. VFW Post # 8870 is indebted to the WAARNG and the State Coordinator, Mr. Charles Einarson, for making members of his Honor Guard available to the Post and the Girl Scout Troop.