The Flag Program at Stonehurst Elementary School

May 26th, 2017, found Jim Mulhern and Earle Drake of the Smedley D. Butler Detachment No. 741, Marine Corps League, headquartered in Newtown Square, at the Stonehurst Elementary School in Upper Darby, PA to present its flag program. The Detachment presented its regular Americanism program about the history of the American flag. Joining them for the first time was Phil Spinelli, a Marine Corps Leaguer who came aboard to assist Jim and Earle. Our regular bugler Dan Fitzpatrick was busy playing Taps at the graveside of the first Commandant of the Marine Corps in Philadelphia. Therefore, Earle played "To The Colors" on the electronic bugle.The program started with the Flag Raising and the singing of the National Anthem.

On Memorial Day, to honor our fallen service men and women, the Flag is briskly raised to the top of the flag pole and then lowered slowly to half staff and kept that way until 12 noon when the flag is again raised to the top of the flag pole. Jim raised the Flag and Phil saluted.

During the presentation, the students learned about the history of the Stars and Stripes and the symbolism of the different features of the flag. The students asked excellent questions and were very interested in the history of the flag. Each student received a Flag Pin and a Flag Recognition Card signed by Jim & Earle.

The General Smedley D. Butler Detachment provides educational programs for children, historically relevant exhibits in libraries and museums, and Graveside Honor Ceremonies. It also provides financial and other assistance to wounded veterans and their families.

The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923 by WWI Marine hero and then Maj. Gen. and Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, John A. Lejeune. Today the League boasts of a membership in excess of 76,000. Its sponsored programs include Marines Helping Marines, the Youth Physical Fitness Program, the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League, the Veterans Service Officer Program, the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, the Toys for Tots program, the Adopt-a-Highway program, and several scholarships.

The top photo depict Jim Mulhern at the flag raising and the middle photo shows Jim and Phil Spinelli at the flag pole. The bottom photo shows Jim speaking to the clas about our flsg.