the flag

Sylvan Avenue Elementary School students were a sea of red, white and blue as they congregated at the front entrance with their American flags held high during the school’s annual Flag Day ceremony held on June 14.

Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14 and commemorates President Woodrow Wilson’s marking the day with a decree signed in 1916, creating an official symbol of freedom.

American Veterans Post 111 in Patchogue presented the colors, and student Brody assisted veteran Jim Morge with the raising of the flag. Students who are in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts also led their patriotic peers in the Pledge of Allegiance. As students looked to the sky, they watched as World War II planes flew overhead and circled back around the school to the delight of all.

Principal Alane Dugan thanked the students for their patriotism and members of the American Veterans Post 111 for their service. “Your service to this country guarantees the freedoms we have today,” she said.   

The Flag Day ceremonies continued indoors where the orchestra, band, and chorus played patriotic songs for peers. The ceremony commenced with students singing the school’s theme song and “God Bless the USA.”