Objects: Some military shoulder patches that show rank.

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been in the army? (Let them answer.) How about the navy or the marines? None of you has ever been in the service. Why not? (Let them answer.) You say that you are too young. That's a good excuse.

Perhaps you will recognize some things that I brought with me today even if you have not been in the military service. (Take out the patches and see if any of the children can identify the rank that they signify.) Very good, we have a sergeant and a corporal and a private. Which one of these three is the highest rank? (Let them answer.) That's right, a sergeant. And which one of them is the lowest? (Let them answer.) You are right, again. A private is…