Members of the John Collins and Sons of Liberty Chapters dedicated the week of August 20 to celebrate patriotism at six Georgia high schools.  The hour-long assemblies were presented to student leaders, athletes and JROTC members.   Student participation was welcomed as student council presidents opened the ceremony, student vocalists sang the Star-Spangled Banner, and the JROTC conducted the color guard ceremony.

Once viewed with skepticism, Patriotism Week has earned the respect of school officials with programs booked well in advance of the school year.   Program guest speakers included Georgia's Lt. Governor, State Superintendent of Education, and the Executive Director for the National Museum of Patriotism.   Compatriots Larry Guzy and Kendall Abbott were among those SAR members that spoke to the students about America's symbols and urged them to be leaders in the cause of patriotism.  Abbott, dressed as Francis Scott Key, gave a powerful interpretation of what he saw as the "bombs were bursting in air" and our flag was still there.  The experience led him to put his thoughts on the back of an envelope and became our National Anthem.

Scripts for this successful program can be found on the Captain John Collins Chapter website, and will become part of the NSSAR Education Resource Manual.   SAR members are encouraged to duplicate Patriotism Week in their area.   This program along with other Outreach Education initiatives will be showcased at the Leadership / Trustee Meeting in September.