My name is Jeanette (Jeannie) Platt and I have been the Treasurer of VFW Auxiliary 670 since 2021. I am the proud wife of Marine Veteran Mike Baker who is also my high school sweetheart. This year I am tasked with being the Chairwoman of Americanism. This is an important part of our programs as the goal is to inform and teach others the importance of respecting our flag, our veterans, POW/MIA’s and Veterans and Flag Holidays. National VFW Auxiliary Ambassador and Patriotic Instructor Diana Russle-Milton has asked the following questions, "Why are you proud to be an American and how do we show our pride in America.” I ask that all auxiliaries for North Carolina take part or report on each of the different parts of Americanism. Reporting is now open and with the new year starting lets make North Carolina stand out and show how proud we are of our Veterans and how we teach others to celebrate them and our country. Program Reporting Flag Education (Promote Patriotism)- Organizing with youth groups or schools to teach our youth the importance of the flag. By teaching them flag etiquette in regard to how to display, fold and hold it. History of the flag: why does the United States flag look like it does? What do the stars and stripes mean? Teach youth the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. Teach them how to salute the flag, stand for the national anthem etc. Flag Disposal- Partner with your VFW Comrades and boy/girl scouts to have a retirement ceremony and teach our youth how to dispose of the flag properly. See a tattered flag, ask the owner of said flag if they would like a replacement or if they would like you to retire the flag for them. Patriotic Holidays- Listed are the main patriotic holidays. Memorial Day: Last Monday in May, Armed Forces Day: 3rd Saturday in May. Flag Day: June 14th Independence Day: July,4th POW/MIA Remembrance Day: September 19th Veterans Day Nov. 11th Put together a program or event to celebrate these days. Don’t forget to also celebrate the birthdays of our military services. Army, June 14th; Air Force, September 18th; Navy, October 13th; Marine Corps, November 10th; and Coast Guard, August 4th. Promotions When having events or celebrating anything in regard to Americanism/Patriotism please make sure to share on your Facebook pages both individual auxiliary pages and on your district auxiliary pages. Make sure to use #AuxiliaryPatriotism. Be proud to share knowledge about our flag and our country's patriotic holidays. As history shouldn’t be forgotten and all our heroes should be remembered.

 

If you have any questions please email me at j.m.platt83@gmail.com or call me at 910-599-8044

Your 2025-2026 Americanism Chair Jeanette (Jeannie) Platt