The vision of the American flag waving and swaying in the sky can swell the heart on a day like Tuesday, June 14, which has for 100 years now been observed as Flag Day. And with Americans still reeling from tragedy over the weekend, the flag at Center School in Mattapoisett still at half-mast, students from Old Hammondtown and Center School gathered outside on this Flag Day morning to admire the red, white, and blue, and to ponder those stars and stripes and what the flag symbolizes for us as a nation.
“The land of the free, the home of the brave,” Principal Rose Bowman reminded the students and a gathering of community members and parents joined together for the occasion.
“Please think about how fortunate you are to be a citizen of the United States,” Bowman said. “Put this picture in your mind and let it lead your way as you travel into adulthood.”
Bowman gave a warm and emotional thank you to those gathered, as well as three members of the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 who were present for the Flag Day celebration.
Legion Commander Michael Lamoureux led the students in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Old Hammondtown band followed with its rendition of the National Anthem.
Students from each grade had something musical to contribute, singing a number of patriotic-themed songs that many sang along to.
“I wish I had a drone so I could see an aerial view of this,” said a proud Bowman, saying she was overwhelmed by the community support that morning and the coming together of the two schools.
After the celebration, Bowman spoke candidly about the event.
“It’s just so important for the children to remember to demonstrate their respect as a school community,” Bowman said, “and that that visualization lives on with them forever.”
As she told the students that day, “You are the future leaders of the world. You need to demonstrate that leadership.”
After the Flag Day celebration, third-graders moved inside the cafeteria to participate in the annual senior breakfast when the students dress up as famous Americans and share their knowledge with the seniors from the neighboring Council on Aging.
“We never forget that we wouldn’t have this wonderful building … without our seniors,” said Bowman. “And this is our way to continue to say thank you. We know how lucky we are.”
By Jean Perry
