Flag Day :: History
In 1969 a kindergarten teacher in Cupertino became appalled to the attitude of many in the community concerning respect for the flag of our country. She did many things in her classroom to instill patriotism in her students, but the progress was very slow. She appealed to her husband, a member of the Cupertino Host Lions Club, to assist her in her quest for a newfound show of respect for Old Glory. She was Margaret Richter, wife of Lion Al Richter who would seek and win the office of District Governor of District 4-C6. Lion Al was a gentleman with lots of energy and new ideas - ideas that he was afraid to share and make come to fruition.
The Lions Flag Day started in that kindergarten having approximately 20 students. The students learned about the early years of America and the feeling of patriotism among its citizens of that era. They dressed in red, white and blue one day in February, the month of the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. At the conclusion of the day, Mrs. Richter distributed small American flags on short staffs. Other teachers in other schools within the school district heard about the program that she was using and started in a similar manner.
Lion Al Richter was very happy to assist with ideas and personal participation during that once a year event. Within a few short years, word got around and the program grew into statewide importance. The program was introduced at a State Lions Convention and the District Governors were impressed and saw a need for the program.
Lions from California and Nevada, whose jobs took them to other states, introduced the program to their Lions Clubs and it caught on like wild fire. In recent years, approximately 250,000 small flags are distributed by Lions Clubs to schools wanting to participate in Lions Flag Day. States from Hawaii to Alaska to Florida to New York are still very active in the promotion of loyalty to our flag. The Cupertino Host Lions Club remains the focal point on the acquisition of the flags and brochures telling the story of the flag. It is recognized and endorsed by Lions Clubs International.
