Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1909-01-23
FLAG DAY
FOR SANTA f
Superintendent of
Public instruction
InSpecial Letter
URGES ITS IMPORTANCE
Should Be a Gala Day as
Lincoln's Birthday is
Concurrent.

J. E. Clark, territorial superntend-
.ent of public instruction has just IS
sued a Flag Day booklet entitled "Lln-
coin and the Flag" containing, to-
gether with a number of selections
suitable for recitations and readings,
patriotic songs for use on alag Day"
The publication contains the picture OF
Abraham Lincoln and quotation
from the martyred president This
country, with it's institutions, belongs
to the people who inhabit it,
This booklet. has been sent to the
teachers of the territory through the
county commissioners and Superin-
tendent Clark in the following letter
urges the Importance of observing
"Flag Day. The letter follows:
To the Teachers of New Mexico.
February twelfth, nineteen hundred
and nine, is the hundredth anniversary
of the birth of the Great American"
Abraham Lincoln, and We would urge
upon you that you prepare fitting
school exercises for the occasion un-
der the head Lincoln and the Flag"
Our Territorial law designates Feb
ruary twelfth as Flag Day" and
states that the day "shall be observed
with patriotic exercises in the public
schools, but such day shall in no wise
be construed to be holiday"
The following program is prepared
and issued with a view to helping you
in the arrangement of your Flag Day
exercises. 1t is not expected that you
will use all of the material presented,
but this will be suggestive at least.
You may find other selections more
suited to certain children who will
participate. Aim to have every child
take part in the program in some
way; if not in individual recitation or
song, then in concert recitation, song,
or exercise.
If your board of school directors mas
complied with Chapter XLVIII, Laws
of 1905, you have good flag for use
on Flag Day" If you have no flag,
please call the attention of your di-
rectors to the law. The children will be
pleased to help decorate the school
room with green, and will be able to
bring you flags of all sizes from home
for use on this occasion. Enter into
the preparation Of these exercises
with the fullest spirit and be assured
of success Instl patriotism; implant
the genuine respect for our flag; teach
the real meaning of the flag; have
joyous and profitable time.
DO not fail to have the school house
filled with patrons on this day. Use
every attractive means to let it be
known that the presence of the par
ents is much desired. Make the oc-
casion an educational rally. Ask GER
tain patrons to speak at the close of
the exercises. Arouse interest in the
local school while strengthening the
patriotic spirit.
Sacrifice much of your own time
both before and after school in train
ing the pupils to speak and sing well.
Make sure that all speakers will be
understood. Drill faithfully in order
that each participant may know his
part thoroughly. Do not be satisfied
with mere repetition of words: train
carefully in expression. Secure natur-
alness of expression and action.
M-intain the best of discipline during
the exercises in order that every per.
son in the house may hear every Sc
lection. Give careful attention to the
comfort of all; have the room neither
too warm nor too cold and be sure
OF abundance Of fresh air without
draughts. :
Wishing You most successful en-.
tertainment, and hoping to hear from
you concerning it, I am,
Yours sincerely,
]. E. CLARK.
Territorial Sunarintondor+ D,,hu