By GABRIELLE SHIOZAWA
Moapa Valley Progress
The Moapa Valley Library in Overton continued its 2019 Summer Challenge on Friday, June 14, with a Flag Day celebration. This well-attended activity offered a great way for kids and parents to learn about the American flag and show off their creativity, all while escaping the summer heat.
Flag Day has a long history. During the American Revolutionary War, there was a lack of unity among U.S. troops. To address this issue, the Second Continental Congress presented the original design for the American flag on June 14, 1777. This flag served as a symbol of freedom and a unifying force between the states. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 a national holiday in commemoration. The flag has become a prominent symbol of American patriotism and has created a legacy that continues to define America today.
Librarian Naomi Harris kicked off the event by leading the kids in a discussion about the evolution of the American flag and the meaning behind the colors. Attendees learned that red stands for valor, white for purity and blue for justice and perseverance.
Kids were engaged and had plenty of their own questions and insights to add to the conversation. They were also enthralled by Harris’s great selection of patriotic books.
The activity turned hands-on as attendees had the opportunity to design their own flags.
After using white crayon to create designs on their papers, kids headed outside to watercolor over their drawings. Attendees enjoyed expressing their creativity as they created keepsakes of the lessons they’d learned that day.
Local parent Dallas Corry shared her enthusiasm for the summer reading program.
“Honestly, we live at the library [during the summer],” Corry laughed. “It’s just too hot to play outside!”
Corry further explained that the activities give her kids, Saige and Cedar, a great opportunity to learn and work on their social skills.
“I love that I have a place to get out of the heat where my kids can play!” Corry said.
For more information about the Summer Challenge, visit the Overton library or https://lvccld.org/browse_program/summerchallenge/.
