By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Many traits are passed down from generation to generation, but American freedom is the most important, Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge member Ron Kenney told third graders at Pelham’s Valley Intermediate School on Nov. 13.

“There are things that are passed down to you from generation to generation through the bloodstream,” Kenney told the few hundred third graders gathered in the school’s cafeteria. “But there is one thing you receive that has been passed down from generation to generation that you did not receive through the bloodstream, that that is freedom.

“Don’t let anyone take that away from you,” Kenney added.

During the presentation, which came two days after Veterans Day, Kenney explained the history behind the holiday. The day originally honored the veterans of World War I, but was expanded over the years to include veterans from all conflicts America has been involved in.

“When you see a veteran in uniform, go up and say hello and thank them for what they have done for our freedom,” Kenney said.

Also during the event, several Elks Lodge members gave the students a history of our national flags.

The Elks Lodge members displayed every American flag, including the Pine Tree Flag, the Gadsden Flag, the Grand Union Flag, the Betsy Ross Flag, the 15-star Flag, the 20-star Flag, the 48-star flag, the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Flag and the 50-star Flag.

After Elks Lodge members presented the 50-star American flag, the kids stood and saluted as the Elks Lodge members played a recording of a 7-year-old singing the national anthem.

“When you leave here today, you will know what freedom really means,” Elks Lodge member Tom Davidson said. “In Shelby County and in Pelham, we always push for excellence in everything we do.”

After the flag presentation, the Elks Lodge members handed out hundreds of dictionaries containing anti-drug bookmarks to the kids.