Oct 26, 2009 7:02 pm US/Eastern
Pols Want Flag Classes, But Would They Pass Test?
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
We all love our flag, but do we know enough about it?
Some state lawmakers say no we don't, and they want to pass a new state law requiring kids to be taught about "Old Glory."
There will be a public hearing on Tuesday. But, WBZ's David Wade found that some of the lawmakers pushing for the measure could use a few classes themselves.
Most everyone learned in school that the 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states and the 13 stripes symbolize the 13 colonies, but state Sen. Bruce Tarr thinks schools aren't doing enough to educate young people about the American flag. "We think it's a logical addition to say they will be taught about the etiquette of the American flag."
Tarr is one of the five Republican senators pushing for a new law requiring schools to teach kids about the flag. Sen. Richard Tisei co-sponsored the bill.
"What are the things the kids don't know about the flag?" asked Wade.
"Basic things, like how to treat the flag," answered Tarr.
Unfortunately, at least for one of the senators, our interviews also involved a pop quiz.
Wade: Who sewed the first flag?
Tisei: Betsy Ross
Wade: How many stripes?
Tisei: Ah, off the top of my head… I would probably say, ah, 20? (There's really 13.)
Wade: And the blue portion (of the flag) is called?
Tisei: You got me…
Wade: It's called the Union.
Tisei: The Union.
Sen. Tarr aced the test.
Wade: How do you fly a flag at half staff?
Tarr: The first thing is raise it all the way to the top and then lower it. You don't just raise it halfway.
Several people along Boston's Freedom Trail failed WBZ's flag quiz, while others aced it, but can a new law change that?
What about your flag knowledge? Could you ace a pop quiz?
Test your stars and stripes know-how!
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