ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 107 Number 19
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
★ Brotherhood
June 26, 2019
ISSN —07458800
the american flag and what it means to me
DAR, Temple Mayor honor SPJST employees for flag diligence
Megan Ohnheiser • Lodge 185, New Braunfels 2019 Flag Day Essay Contest Winner Congratulations to Megan Ohnheiser, 12, of Lodge 185, New Braunfels for submitting the winning essay, “The American Flag and What It Means To Me” in SPJST’s 2019 Flag Day Essay Contest. For her efforts, Megan will be receiving a $100 gift card, a U.S. flag, wooden pole, and hanging bracket that will be presented at State Youth Achievement Day on Saturday, August 3. Congratulations to Megan for submitting the winning essay, and thanks to all SPJST youth for participating in this year’s contest. The first flag representing the United States of Amer ica was designed and sewn by Betsy Ross in 1776 and adopted by Congress on June 14, 1777. With 13 stripes and 13 stars, signifying the original 13 states, our flag has undergone a few changes since that time. Though we still have the 13 stripes, alternating red and white, we now have 50 stars, one for each of our 50 states. But the American Flag means more to me than just these bare facts. From my earliest recollection, I have heard historical accounts, family stories, and have par ticipated in school and community activities which have inspired in me a deep respect for our flag. I have studied history and learned about some of the critical events in our nation’s past. I know that many people have fought in the military under the American Flag. Their purpose was to protect and defend the free doms our flag represents. When I think of their bravery and what they endured, my heart skips a beat. Some gave their very lives. I am humbled to know their sac rifice preserved the freedoms I enjoy today. All my life my family has stressed patriotism. They have shared many stories with me about my ancestors. They came to America from England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Germany. They left their families and their native lands seeking freedom. They participated in the
American Revolution and every other conflict in early American history. My greatgreatgrandfather was wounded twice in France during World War I. Two greatgrandfathers participated in World War II. My greatuncle served for three dec ades, from Viet Nam to Desert Storm. I am over whelmed with gratitude for their service. How could I not have a deep respect for the Ameri can Flag? I experience a variety of emotions when I see it. My first reaction is always to rise to my feet and place my hand over my heart. Sometimes, I sense that my heart swells. Often, I feel the sting of tears in my eyes. These feelings are best described as joy, pride, and pa triotism. I feel joy that I am blessed to live in this great country, where I can be anything I want to be. I feel pride in the contributions made by my family and others in preserving the freedoms we all enjoy. I know that I will do everything in my power to be a good citizen and to defend my country and my flag. I am grateful to my family for teaching me and for setting a good example of what it means to be a patriot. I am proud to stand and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag every morning at school, at every meeting of every organization, and at every sports event. I look for
SPJST Home Office staff gather by the flag on Friday, June 14, 2019, to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. City of Temple Mayor Tim Davis and members of the local chapter of Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) recognized Maintenance Manager Rudy Constancio and Director of Accounting/ITS Roy Vajdak for their efforts in maintaining the Home Office flag that flies proudly each day overlooking Main Street. More on page 6. ward to Veterans Day and Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Look for me at all the celebrations. I’ll be the one, right up in the front, waving the American Flag. —SPJST—
Flag Day Essay Contest Winners Prize: $50 Gift Card, U.S. Flag, wooden pole, and hanging bracket to be presented at State YAD
Ages Kindergarten to 8 Steel McCoy Lodge 185, New Braunfels Ages 9 to 11 Zaydriana Young Lodge 47, Seaton Ages 15 to HS Senior Macy Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor
( ( ( ( ( Inside This Week’s Věstník ( ( ( ( ( Important Dates ...................................3 Readers Write ......................................3 Interest Rates.......................................3 Fraternal Focus ...................................4 District News .......................................4 Member Benefits..................................5
Lodge Section......................................7 In Memoriam ......................................14 Youth Section ....................................15 Czech Culture ....................................19 Advertisements .................................21 Lodge Calendar .................................22
District Seven agents share activities
A visit to Camp Kubena
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Lodge 47 Seaton youth meets Texas A&M Football Coach Jimbo Fisher