Americanism

Americanism Program

Americanism Contest Entries Due by March 15, 2026

Arliss Koski – Chairman
americanism@ndala.org
Photo courtesy: IceBerg Art, Candace Berg

2026 Essay Contest Application and Cover Sheet (required)

It is hard to believe it is already February! It was great to visit with so many of you at the 2026 Winter Conference. Along with this article, I have included an attachment that highlights ways units can promote Americanism during 2026, America’s 250th birthday.

One item highlights ways to promote Americanism in honor of America’s 250th birthday and the other item is a list of books that units and individual members might consider donating to their local schools or libraries. I hope this information is helpful as you promote Americanism in your communities and schools.

I encourage all units to let me know what you are doing to promote Americanism so I can share that information when I attend the April Northwestern Division Zoom call.

This year’s theme for the Americanism Essay Contest is “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the Veterans Who Fought for Our Freedom.” You can find more information regarding the essay requirements and the 2026 cover sheet at the top of this webpage. Essays are due to your local unit no later than March 1, 2026, for judging. Unit winners should be mailed or emailed to americanism@ndala.org no later than March 15, 2026.

Arliss Koski
Americanism Chairman

2025 Americanism Essay Contest Winners

Here are just a few ways you can show Americanism in your communities:

Teach Flag Etiquette in Schools
Plan Flag Retirement Ceremonies
Provide a Place to Purchase Flags and Depository for Tattered, Used Flags
Marching in Local Parades
Recognize Veterans at Local Ball Games
Americanism in the Schools
Ruth Quam, President of Hafner-Miller-Ross Unit 20 of Wahpeton, presented “I Pledge Allegiance” booklets to students at St John’s School on January 15, 2026. Ruth is pictured in the back row (left) with School Principal Kaja Kaste, back row (right) and some of the students who received the colorful booklets.
Organize Picnics for Veterans and Their Families
Display Flags on Graves for Memorial and Veterans Day
Display a Flag at home on Flag Holidays Such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4^th of July and Veterans Day
Help Organize Veterans Day Programs
Encourage Youth to Enter the Americanism Essay Contest
Support ND American Legion and Auxiliary Programs such as Boys/Girls State, International Music Camp and Oratorical Contests