Staff Writer
HOULTON — The American flag symbolizes freedom and the protection of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These “rights” continue to be upheld each day as men and women in the armed forces stand on the frontlines of tyranny and terrorism and sacrifice their very well-being to ensure that those freedoms remain intact.
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
FLAGS — Houlton Elementary School grade 1 students show their pride during their Flag Day ceremony on Friday, June 13.
On Friday, June 13, children from all around the United States celebrated their flag and remembered the privileges that they have been blessed with. More than 393 students, staff and family gathered at the Houlton Elementary School to demonstrate their patriotism and pride to one another.
“Our children are learning to value the many blessings that comes with being a citizen of this country and to respect the flag that symbolizes all those things,” explained Houlton Elementary Principal Candy Crane. “It seems that those ideals and freedoms are what the people in Iraq are struggling to acquire with the help of our soldiers. I think it is immensely important for the students to never take for granted the gifts afforded them simply by being American citizens.
“The future of our communities and nation is dependent on their leadership and their appreciation of those gifts,” she added.
The children showed off their patriotism in an assembly. “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy,” echoed throughout the school’s gymnasium while children in grade 1 paraded and waved flags as they walked around the couple hundred spectators seated in the middle of room. The annual Flag Day event is organized by the first-grade teachers.
“Teachers recognize the great responsibility and joy of helping influence young minds,” said Crane. “We take it very seriously and always want to do what is best for the children. Our goal for our students is to have the quality of life they deserve and to have the same opportunities that we have had so that they too will look upon the flag with reverence for all that it stands for and means to the citizens of our country and the men and women who are in armed services around the world.
“It is a gift we can never take for granted,” she added.
A special presentation was also given during the school’s Flag Day event. Family members of Captains Mitch Bailey and Harold Maker presented the school with a flag, which had been flown for one day at a military base where the two soldiers are serving at Camp Ripper in Al Asad, Iraq. Laurine Wilson’s class had been corresponding with “Uncle Mitch” throughout the year. Family members in attendance were Karen Bailey and Logan Swallow with a life-sized photo of Uncle Mitch as well as Alex Maker with her life-sized photo of her Dad.
“To have a flag that flew over Iraq on our school pole somehow linked us in spirit with those soldiers,” explained Crane. “We certainly hope they heard our prayers and felt our gratitude and love. Mrs. Wilson’s class carried out the flag to show their respect and also to emphasize to all the students that protecting our flag is a responsibility we all share.”
