The American Legion and the National Education Association co-sponsor American Education Week

AEA press release 2011

The American Legion encourages posts to participate in the celebration of the National Education Association's (NEA) 91st American Education Week, Nov. 11-16, 2012. The American Legion has a commitment to education, believing a strong education program is vital to instill a sense of personal obligation and responsibility in today's youth. The Legion highlights the many ways posts can support public schools. Furthermore, posts are encouraged to share the brochure http://www.legion.org/youth/159493/american-education-week-nov-13-19 with schools, educators and prospective volunteers within their communities. http://www.nea.org/grants/19823.htm

This web site lists all veterans’ organizations in Arkansas: http://www.veterans.arkansas.gov/vetorg.html

Other links about this topic:
American Education Week timeline in retrospect.
http://www.nea.org/grants/47607.htm

Flag Advocacy
http://www.legion.org/flag

The Flag DVD
..For which it stands
http://emblem.legion.org/Flag-Education-DVD/productinfo/755.400/

• Decorate store windows with Americanism and Legion youth program items.
• Provide a speaker and a program for the students recognizing, Veterans Day, Nov. 11
• Honor educators by hosting a banquet or social hour, or by presenting a certificate of appreciation.
• Exhibit student work and special projects within the post.
• Sponsor a poster, art and essay contest for students.
  
• Volunteer during a school's open house and distribute American Legion youth materials.
  
• Write news releases on activities taking place within the community during education week.
  
• Announce American Education Week through posters, street banners and billboards.
  
• Additional ideas on ways to participate in American Education Week can be found on the NEA's website.

Link to a (.pdf ) copy of the Proclamation.

PROCLAMATION 2011
STATE OF ARKANSAS EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENT COME – GREETINGS:

WHEREAS: Public schools are the backbone of our democracy, providing young
people with the tools they need to maintain our nation’s precious values of
freedom, civility, and equality; and

WHEREAS: By equipping young Americans with both practical skills and broader
intellectual abilities, schools give them hope for, and access to, a
productive future; and

WHEREAS: Education employees, be they substitute educators, custodians, teachers,
bus drives, or librarians, work tirelessly to serve our children and
communities with care and professionalism; and

WHEREAS: Schools encourage community, bringing together adults and children,
educators and volunteers, and business leaders and elected officials in a
common enterprise and

WHEREAS: Since 1921, the American Legion, its Auxiliary, and professional groups
have promoted the idea of visitation to our schools. Many citizens have
not visited a local school since their own graduations from high school; and

WHEREAS: This year’s theme, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our
Responsibility”, serves to remind each of us that we have a duty and a
responsibility to see that our children are prepared to take up the roles of
citizens and leaders in the years to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of
the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby
proclaim November 19 through 23, 2011, as

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK IN ARKANSAS
across the State, and I encourage my fellow citizens to join me in
celebrating the 90th annual observance of this week by recognizing the
importance of education in our lives, in our communities, and throughout
our State, Nation, and world.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of
the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 6th day of October, in the year of
our Lord 2011.

ORIGINAL SIGNED
MIKE BEEBE, GOVERNOR

ORIGINAL SIGNED
MARK MARTIN, SECRETARY OF STATE