SANDPOINT — The first United States Flag Act was established in 1777, resolving that the U.S. flag be made of 13 stripes, alternating in red and white, with 13 white stars in a field of blue.

It wasn’t until Hawaii officially became a state in 1959 that the 50-star flag was adopted in 1960 — the flag that still “proudly flies over our country to this day,” said Sandpoint Christian School seventh- and eighth-grade students on Tuesday, during the school’s annual “Grandparents/VIP Day.”

In addition to the older students recounting the progression of the American flag, SCS students of all ages dressed in red, white and blue to sing and perform for their grandparents and other special elders in their lives.

“It’s fantastic,” said Deanna Lauber, who enjoyed the day with her granddaughter Avery Lauber. “I love the way the school is so patriotic — it’s a great program.

While the annual event has been ongoing for a number of years, this is the third year of the patriotic theme, said school principal, Liz Page.

“Grandparents are such a special relationship in the life of a child, and with people living so far wide, families living so far and wide, it is especially nice to have a morning set aside to celebrate that particular relationship,” Page said. “We do patriotic because we know how much it means to that generation.”

The patriotic program helps the kids learn about and present American history in a fun way, Page said, in addition to celebrating the relationship between the younger and older generations.

“And we especially want to salute our armed forces,” she said.

As such, the patriotic program came to a close with the anthems to all five branches of the armed forces. As each was played, members of the audience who served in that branch were asked to stand up and be recognized for their service to their country.

Following the program, the youngest students took their grandparents and VIPs to enjoy some breakfast, while the older students went to their classes with their elders to continue with singing, games and other activities.

During the program, Page quoted Proverbs 17:6 in that “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.”

“Well, a wise person would never neglect their golden ‘crown’ or whatever else they value most,” she told the grandparents and VIPs. “Being a God-honoring grandparent is a responsibility and a privilege, and you’re just the one who can do it best.”

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone at bonner countydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.