Last Friday was a memorable day for Greenfield students when hundreds
of residents, faculty and family members and representatives of the
business community gathered in front of the Greenfield Elementary
School to join in a Flag Day celebration.
Those present got to witness the first raising of the American flag on a brand new fifty-foot tall flag pole installed recently at the school entrance. The pole, memorial bricks and landscaping were all donated by members of the Greenfield Community Business Association and other residents who spent countless hours giving of their time and talents on the
project.
"I'm extremely excited about the new flag pole for our nation's flag; every student will remember the event. Great patriots remember what this country stands for," says Greenfield Elementary School Principal Michael J. Hewitt.
Families of the students and GCBA Board members were present to see the American flag raised to half mast, which is done throughout the state to follow Governor Patterson's directive to honor those fallen during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hewitt called for a moment of silence and lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greenfield family physician Jama Peacock commented "It's a very memorable experience; it shows the organization's deep commitment to our community as a whole and to future generations. We hope that they will feel the love that we do for Greenfield."
Timber harvester Nathan "Butch" Duffney, also a GCBA board member, helped with the landscaping. "It all came out beautifully."
Pointing to the front lawn of the school that was full of elementary age students he added,
"They are what it's all about."
Others who helped included local excavator Al Burton, who dug the hole for the pole to be placed in and electrician Jeff Becktoft, who installed lighting so that the National Blue Ribbon school can seen by all who pass day or night. Ray Ramirez folded the flag properly so Boy Scout Pack 18 could carry it with reverence to the pole to be hung in the ceremony. The Allerdice Company donated a crane to lift and carry the flagpole.
As Taps was played by a trumpeter, and the school band played patriotic songs, fifth grade students Julie Granger and Bella Perras, who were selected as the winning writers in an essay competition on the topic "What the Flag Means To Me" read their winning essays, and were awarded with fifty dollar savings bonds donated by the GCBA and Ballston Spa National Bank branch location on Rt.9N in Greenfield.
Among local dignitaries in attendance for the big day in Greenfield were Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III and Dick and Joan Rowland; Dick Rowland is manager of the Saratoga County Fair as well as the Greenfield town supervisor, and Joan supervises the volunteer office at the Fair. Rowland recounted his days as a student at the school in the seventh grade, at a time when the school was much smaller. One of several guests who spoke at the event, Murphy told the children
"This is a tremendous occasion. It's not the threads that make the flag; it's the love of what it represents, that we can all enjoy freedom. We need to cherish and remember that."
GCBA President Walter Chandler, who attended the school in earlier years, stepped up to the microphone to read a speech written collectively by the GCBA for the students on the special day.
"This is a historic occasion. Mr. Hewitt is an outstanding leader. Never give up; try your hardest, because each and every one of you are very special to this community. Remember that with bravery and courage you can accomplish anything. Just as our soldiers who sacrificed so much in honor of our country to give us the freedom and the ability to proudly fly the flag as we do today."
project.
"I'm extremely excited about the new flag pole for our nation's flag; every student will remember the event. Great patriots remember what this country stands for," says Greenfield Elementary School Principal Michael J. Hewitt.
Families of the students and GCBA Board members were present to see the American flag raised to half mast, which is done throughout the state to follow Governor Patterson's directive to honor those fallen during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hewitt called for a moment of silence and lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greenfield family physician Jama Peacock commented "It's a very memorable experience; it shows the organization's deep commitment to our community as a whole and to future generations. We hope that they will feel the love that we do for Greenfield."
Timber harvester Nathan "Butch" Duffney, also a GCBA board member, helped with the landscaping. "It all came out beautifully."
Pointing to the front lawn of the school that was full of elementary age students he added,
"They are what it's all about."
Others who helped included local excavator Al Burton, who dug the hole for the pole to be placed in and electrician Jeff Becktoft, who installed lighting so that the National Blue Ribbon school can seen by all who pass day or night. Ray Ramirez folded the flag properly so Boy Scout Pack 18 could carry it with reverence to the pole to be hung in the ceremony. The Allerdice Company donated a crane to lift and carry the flagpole.
As Taps was played by a trumpeter, and the school band played patriotic songs, fifth grade students Julie Granger and Bella Perras, who were selected as the winning writers in an essay competition on the topic "What the Flag Means To Me" read their winning essays, and were awarded with fifty dollar savings bonds donated by the GCBA and Ballston Spa National Bank branch location on Rt.9N in Greenfield.
Among local dignitaries in attendance for the big day in Greenfield were Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III and Dick and Joan Rowland; Dick Rowland is manager of the Saratoga County Fair as well as the Greenfield town supervisor, and Joan supervises the volunteer office at the Fair. Rowland recounted his days as a student at the school in the seventh grade, at a time when the school was much smaller. One of several guests who spoke at the event, Murphy told the children
"This is a tremendous occasion. It's not the threads that make the flag; it's the love of what it represents, that we can all enjoy freedom. We need to cherish and remember that."
GCBA President Walter Chandler, who attended the school in earlier years, stepped up to the microphone to read a speech written collectively by the GCBA for the students on the special day.
"This is a historic occasion. Mr. Hewitt is an outstanding leader. Never give up; try your hardest, because each and every one of you are very special to this community. Remember that with bravery and courage you can accomplish anything. Just as our soldiers who sacrificed so much in honor of our country to give us the freedom and the ability to proudly fly the flag as we do today."
Main Menu
Leave a comment