The Islip School District’s Commack Road Elementary School held its 24th annual Flag Day ceremony on a sunny June 14, reinforcing the community’s patriotic commitment.
After local Scouts and American Legion Rusy-Bohm Post 411 members led the Flag Day parade past the bus loop’s Honor Garden of Flags, Principal Jacqueline Beckmann welcomed the smiling students and parents, decked out in red, white and blue and waving American flags. The family of late Islip firefighter Billy Moon then joined American Legion Rusy-Bohm Post 411 2nd Vice Commander Tom Stryjewski and Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Militello for the raising of the flag. Fifth graders Ayden Diaz, Jaxon Gerena, Alexa Gonzalez, Julia Sanchez and Matthew Vale joined teacher Dr. Chris Sclafani for an explanation of the Pledge of Allegiance, while third graders and the school’s American Sign Language Club demonstrated the pledge in American Sign Language.
Throughout, the CRES school’s band and vocal NYSSMA students performed an array of stirring patriotic music, including “America the Beautiful, “God Bless America,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Student essay awards were presented to second-grade winner Caila Lawrence, third-grade winner Karla Martinez, fourth-grade winner Adoniah Chlystun, fifth-grade winner Makenzy Covelli, academic award winners Covelli and Maryam Raza, and music award winner Na’ilah Farrell.
“Today we celebrate Flag Day, a day to honor the symbol that unites us all as Americans,” Beckmann said. “Today is about celebrating patriotism and recognizing the flag as a symbol of our nation’s history, from the fight for independence, to the struggles and plans we face together. The red stripes remind us of the bravery of those who fought for our freedom, the white stripes represent peace and unity, and each of the 50 stars represents a state – a different voice and a different story, all woven together to form a strong and vibrant nation.”
“Today I feel like we’re joined by real heroes, and that’s the many men and women who serve our country each and every day,” Dr. Sclafani said.
Photos courtesy of Islip School District
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