High Impact Insight

Margaret Ranalli began her journey with American Heritage Girls in 2014 as an Assistant Explorer Unit Leader in TX2407. She is a founding member and past Troop Coordinator and Charter Representative of TX1988. She is currently the San Antonio Area Coordinator. Margaret is a United States Air Force veteran, she served from 1986-2002. Her husband retired from the U.S.A.F. in 2011 and they settled in San Antonio. She has two young adult children and is a retired homeschooling mom who teaches and tutors mathematics.

The AHG Oath states the importance of God, family, community, and country. As believers, we seek to grow in virtue, be obedient to God’s commands and strive to be reflections of God’s love in our homes and in the wider community. Godly patriotism reflects this blending of obedience, honor, and community for all. Merriam-Webster defines patriotism as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” This love of country is not in opposition to the love and honor due to God. In discussing the duties and obligations due to our country, Saint Thomas Aquinas points out that the obligation and love for our country has a strong connection to our love of God. He states, “Man is debtor chiefly to his parents and his country, after God…” It is an honorable endeavor to revere one’s country through serving our fellow citizens and those who also respect our country. Patriotism reflects a commitment to virtue, obedience to a higher authority, and love and respect for our fellow citizens. Patriotism is reflected in respecting and obeying the law, showing reverence and respect for our flag, supporting, and recognizing the sacrifices of those who serve to achieve our common good such as our first responders and military members, and learning about our history and understanding the basis for our government as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. We are blessed that the AHG Program allows many opportunities to instill the virtue of Godly patriotism in our young women. Central to every AHG meeting is the Opening Flag Ceremony, which includes honoring our flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Participation in Flag Ceremonies should be encouraged for girls in all Program Levels. In the beginning of the year, PI/PAs and Explorers can perform the ceremony and, as the year goes on, the Troop should encourage Tenderhearts and Pathfinders to be members of the color guard. Additionally, finding opportunities to hold “special” Flag Ceremonies that include an outdoor ceremony/retreat or a Flag Folding Ceremony wherein the meaning of the thirteen folds of the flag is presented. This is a meaningful experience for all our members. The Our Flag Badge is often one of the first badges completed as part of the AHG Joining Award. Troops can also consider the Our Constitution Badge, perhaps beginning with a celebration on Constitution Day, September 17. Recognizing and supporting activeduty military and veterans is another great opportunity to

WHAT IS AN AREA TEAM? promote patriotism and service. Christmas cards sent to deployed troops, collecting items for “care packages” or An Area Team is a team of volunteers that God has called to encourage supporting programs and catalyze e ective Troops throughout an area. Area Teams are for families of developed with local volunteers who partner with AHG at a deeper level military members and are selected, trained, and supported by a dedicated Regional Manger. are worthwhile 297TROOPS SUPPORTED projects. I remember our unit getting Valentine’s cards by Area Teams from a school group while deployed. Even 4545TROOPS SUPPORTED the toughest of the group was touched and felt the love of by Independent Hometown Mentors our nation and our God. Participating in a program such as Wreaths Across America or volunteering to place flags in a cemetery for Veterans or Memorial Day recognizes the sacrifice of our fallen. Participation in parades or color guards for civil events can also instill the importance of honoring our country. Most importantly, we as leaders, can model love of country, respect for our flag and support of our military and leaders. We must strive to link virtue and Godliness to good citizenship. Women of integrity are no doubt good and virtuous citizens.