Independence Really Mean? (NAPSA)—If you asked your children to explain the significance of America’s independence, what would their answer be? AMVETS, one of the nation's foremost veterans service organizations, is posing this question to thousandsof schoolchildren, hoping to increase their sense of patriotism and respect for our nation’s veterans. It’s all part of the organization’s “Americanism” program. Working with teachers in kindergarten through high school, AMVETShas developed age- and grade-specific activities that teach and inspire children about our nation’s history. Activities include flag drawings for kindergarten and first-grade, posters for grades second to fifth, and essays for grades sixth to 12th. Winners of state contests will have their work judged at the national level, with first, second and third-place winners receiving savings bonds. One winner of the ninth-grade essay contest from each of the 40 AMVETS state departments will also be rewarded with a four-day, all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the “Spirit of America” youth conference, held annually at the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, PA. Call 877-7-AMVETSto find out more or visit www.amvets.org /americanism.htm.
