Patriotism
Patriotism as Virtue
The Catechism of the Catholic Church discusses the virtue of patriotism in the section which explains the fourth commandment. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity (CCC #2239).
We are blessed at Our Lady of Hope to have a deep respect for our country and all who serve it in sacrificial ways, including veterans, active military, police officers, firemen and first responders. Many members of our community fall under one of these categories, and we are committed to supporting them and praying for them.
We are intentional about promoting patriotism in our students. Student assemblies, partnering with parish organizations, history, English and religion lessons are all means to the end of forming citizens who are active participants in building a better America.
Respect for Our Flag
Our students say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning before they start their studies. Children are taught to respect the flag, treat it with respect, and honor those who have lost their lives defending it. Our flag display case includes flags flown over the U.S. Capitol Building, the Headquarters of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Headquarters of Afghan National Army Special Operation Command and the Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. We also have a flag donated from the Sons of the American Revolution.
Veteran’s Day & Service
Each Veteran’s Day our First Graders assemble a special banner in honor of all those school community family members who have served our country. Our children honor those who serve by stuffing stockings for service members overseas, writing cards to deployed soldiers, and supporting our local active duty school families.
Remembering Our Past
Constitution Day
4th Graders celebrate Constitution Day and are taught a lesson on our founding documents and write the Preamble to the Constitution in cursive to display in their upstairs hallway.
Colonial Day
4th Graders study Virginia History, Colonial days & the founding of Jamestown. Camp Flintock visits OLOH for a special on-site field trip and kick off the day with fife and drum at morning carpool. 4th Graders participate in a fun-filled day of activities such as candle-dipping, journal making, quill-pen writing and more! The day culminates with firing off a canon on our field.
09/11 Memorial
In 2022, the Ladies from the Ancient Order of Hibernians donated flags to our students and we honored our flag and the 21st Anniversary of 9/11 with an all-school assembly. Guest speaker, Dotty Koyles, shared an account of her son who was a first responder on September 11, 2001. In 2023 we hope to receive a piece of Tower 2 to display in a place of honor.
2021 September 11th Event
In 2021, Our Lady of Hope School hosted a community event in honor of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. First responders from across Loudoun County joined Sen. Richard Black, Byron Andrews, Sterling Volunteer F&R, and others who assisted in rescues in the aftermath of 9/11 at the Pentagon.
