Dear Editor: Patriotism

Dear Editor,

As a kid raised on a farm in northern Minnesota, I attended the last one-room schoolhouse of all eight grades. Graduating eighth grade and starting high school I recognized how privileged I was at Sunnyside school where I listened to classes for all eight grades.

First graders were partnered with older students and given the privilege of raising and lowering the flag. We were taught respect for the flag, by making sure it never touched the ground and folding it properly until raised the following day.

By listening to the lessons of every grade being taught, I learned early of t...