SeeCalifornia.com

For young kids flags are mostly a thing on a stick–and the stick is the fun part that you can lick, scratch an itch with, put in your mouth or on your chin. The children shown in photos are celebrating the 4th of July with patriotic red, white and blue clothing, hats, bows, ball caps and of course, their American flags. There are more than 5 million children under the age of 10 living in California. Usually by the age of 7 years these kids are taught the symbols, icons, and traditions of the United States, can recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing songs that express American ideals (e.g., “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”), and  understand the significance of national holidays and the heroism and achievements of the people associated with them. In first grade they are taught the identify of American symbols, landmarks, and essential documents, such as the flag, bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, U.S. Constitution, and Declaration of Independence, and know the people and events associated with them. By the age of 30 most of these youngsters will have forgotten. They will, however, continue to recognize and associate the American flag with Independence Day.