Mariner eighth-graders learn about American flag history through SAR program
Eighth-grade students at Mariner Middle School recently received a living history lesson when a representative from the Sons of the American Revolution Delaware Society, Caesar Rodney Chapter, visited their social studies classrooms as part of the Bill Willis Memorial Flag Program.
The late Bill Willis was a dedicated SAR member and an advocate for civic education. The program was created in his honor and is designed to engage students in learning about the origins, symbolism and evolution of the American flag. Through the presentation, students explored how the flag has changed over time and what it represents in the context of the nation’s history.
“We often read about history, but hearing from someone who deeply studies and preserves it makes the lessons come alive,” said Karen Ruark, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Mariner. “The students were captivated by the stories behind each version of the flag and left with a greater appreciation for what it represents.”
The Sons of the American Revolution is a national lineage society that promotes patriotism, historical preservation, and education about the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The Delaware Society’s Caesar Rodney Chapter continues this mission by visiting local schools and sharing the Bill Willis Memorial Flag Program and others to inspire civic pride and understanding among young people.
The visit complemented the students’ study of early American history and civics, helping bridge the past and present through storytelling, artifacts and conversation.
