Junior Grange
ATTENTION JUNIOR GRANGES!
The Junior Grange Pledge has been revised. Stickers are available from the State Grange Office to place over the old pledge in your Junior Manual. Call 800-552-3865 and tell us the quantity you need.
Hello Junior Grangers...
Now is the time to dust off those piano keys, get your instrument out of the case or start singing a tune in preparation for the talent contest. Mark your calendars for September 15th. This is the date when talent contests will be held around the state. The categories have remained the same. You can sing in the vocal category, play an instrument in the instrumental category, and the opportunities are endless for the other acts. You might dance, do a monologue, juggle, etc.
The top two entries in each category will be invited to participate in the talent contest at State Session on October 7th. Yes, this is earlier than previous years. While at State Session, why not sign up to attend the Junior Jamboree and spend some time learning more about Williamsport and hanging out with your Junior Grange friends? The application for the Junior Jam can be found in the most recent editions of the Advocate. The deadline is fast approaching, so send it in today.
Now is also the time, to put the finishing touches on your contest entries. Each Junior Grange may submit at least one entry in each of the Junior Contest categories. If your Junior membership has more than 20 members, you may submit 2 entries per category. ALL pumpkins may be brought to State Session, just remember NOT to carve them. Check the guidelines sent out earlier this year for rules and other valuable information. For the first time ever, we will be selecting a BEST OF SHOW in the Junior Department. Maybe it’ll be your entry. GOOD LUCK!!
Looking forward to seeing you in October....
Karen Mohn
Hi. I am Braden Gourley, your new Junior Grange Prince! I am 14 years old and in the 9th grade at South Side High School. I am a member of Hookstown Junior Grange #181, in Beaver County.
My favorite school activities include Concert and Marching Band, World Affairs, Student Council, and Art Club. I was involved in an exchange program between the Czech Republic and my school. I am a member of basketball, and track teams.
At the church I attend, I play in the Bell Choir and am a helper at Good News Club. With the support of all of you and God’s guidance, I know this will be a great year.
I would like to leave you today with a little information about our nations flag.
Fraternally,
Braden Gourley
2007 - 2008
PA State Grange
Junior Prince
Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?
Here’s what each of those 13 folds mean:
- The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
- The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
- The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
- The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
- The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country”, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country right or wrong.
- The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
- The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
- The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
- The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
- The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.
- The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
- The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
Hello, My name is Brittany Haag. Currently, I am your 2007-2008 PA Junior Grange Princess, and very honored to be so.
I am the daughter of David and Mary Haag, living in Mohrsville, Berks County. While being a student at Schuylkill Valley Middle School, I am also a member in 4-H and a Junior Granger at Marion Junior Grange.
My main goal this year, as part of my reign, is to help Granges to have a stronger Junior Grange and to make Grange more known to people.
I hope to make this the best year it can possibly be, and to make Grange the strongest it has ever been!
Thank you,
Brittany Haag
