Flag Ceremony at Combs Traditional Academy

Marcus Berkshire, the Principal, spoke to the gathering, saying, “That act, while terrible, brought us closer together as a people and showed the true heart and mettle of what it means to be an American.  Please join hands in a gesture of unity as the flag is brought in.” Silently, a fourth grader and a fifth grader, a girl scout, from the school, brought out the flag and raised it up the flagpole while everyone watched.

Once the flag was raised, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a moment of silence was observed to remember those that gave their lives on 9/11.  Another fifth grade student, selected by his teacher, Lori Rajnisz, recited a poem called, O Flag of Our Union, which was once taught in American classrooms a century ago, according to http://www.USFlag.org.

The ceremony finished with the students reciting the Combs Traditional Academy pledge, honoring their motto of Rigor, Responsibility, and Respect.

One teacher stated after the ceremony, “I had to fight back a tear.”  The staff plans to make the Flag Ceremony a tradition every year on or near the anniversary of 9/11.