HOPE — A quiet reverence settles around the flagpole at Hope Elementary as sixth graders raise the American flag, its fabric rippling as it catches the wind, displaying its symbolic red, white and blue.

For decades, Hope Elementary sixth graders have taken on the responsibility of raising and lowering the school’s American flag each day. 

Adam Noble began working at Hope Elementary as a sixth-grade teacher in 2022 and said he was excited to learn that his students would have that responsibility. 

“I wasn’t in the military, but I am a proud American,” said Noble. 

Noble said that his years growing up as an active Boy Scout of America instilled in him a deep pride and patriotism for the country. 

To ensure his students learned the proper etiquette of flag raising and lowering procedures, Noble contacted Veteran of Foreign Wars representative Patrick Flynn to teach sixth graders each step of the process. 

On Wednesday, Flynn gave Noble’s class a brief history lesson of the American flag, including when it was made, who made it, and the different versions that existed as the nation grew. 

Then, after Flynn demonstrated the proper way of holding the American flag, students paired off into groups to practice with the flags themselves. 

“They rotate through who’s on the Union side and who’s doing the actual folding of the flag, so everyone gets an opportunity to try a different part of it,” said Flynn. 

With the remaining class time, Flynn took the experience outside and gave students a step-by-step guide on the procedure. 

“They got to learn the nuances about the experience,” said Flynn. 

For the rest of the school year, rotating teams of four sixth graders will lower and raise the American flag and the Idaho State flag. 

“They take it honorably out in the morning, they hold it respectfully close to their body, as Mr. Flynn showed them, and they take it out, they salute the flag as it’s being raised,” said Noble. “Then at the end of the day, they go back out, salute the flag, and they bring it down.” 

Noble said that respect for the flag comes with the “personal touch” of a VFW representative. 

As America reflects on the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, Flynn saw an opportunity to teach students about the significance of half-staff. 

Noble and Flynn shared sobering memories of that day with students.  

“I have the privilege and honor to teach and help students understand,” said Noble. “They hear about it, and they see it, but they didn’t live through it, and I did.” 

Flynn turned 18 the day before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and was already enrolled in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps when his concerned mother told him to withdrawal. 

As a legal adult, Flynn told his mother he was staying. 

“That was a cool little anecdote I was able to share with the kids,” said Flynn. 

Though the country may see division, Noble said he taught students that the tragedy brought the nation together. 

“It changed many lives,” said Noble, adding that he’ll have tissues ready for his students as they discuss the pivotal event. 

Flynn, who served in the U.S. Army for 13 years, taught students that regardless of beliefs or political affiliation, Americans are united in what the American flag stands for and who has served under it. 

“This was the flag that was over a bunch of my friends as they got sent back from Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Flynn. 

Hope Elementary Principal Sherri Hatley said that when students meet individuals who are honored to have served the country, it broadens children’s perspectives and deepens their respect for the country. 

"I think caring for and honoring the flag everyday helps our students build respect and understanding of what patriotism means. The daily reminder of our freedom and privileges are encompassed by the American flag and all it symbolizes,” said Hatley.