SRA Celebrates 'Patriot Day Flag Salute' for 9/11
Story and photos by Tommie Brown, Staff Writer It was a morning of remembrance and respect today at Santa Rosa Academy during the school’s...
http://www.menifee247.com/2019/09/sra-celebrates-patriot-day-flag-salute-for-911.html
Story and photos by Tommie Brown, Staff Writer
It was a morning of remembrance and respect today at Santa Rosa Academy during the school’s 9/11 "Patriot Day Flag Salute and Celebration."
Welcoming in all elementary grade classes to the flagpole area on the field, SRA staff led the young students through a morning of song, motivation, and a visit from a few local "hometown hero" service members.
Decked in red, white, and blue attire, students from 5th grade down began their day by walking through the center of the SRA campus, where a banner and markers laid on the floor, welcoming students and families to write messages and names of those in their lives who were or are still in the service.
As soon as the students made their way to their designated class location beneath the flagpole, service members were led into the space by kindergartners who waved 5-year-old sized American flags, forming a patriotic barricade around the parade.
The short but sweet morning celebration consisted of the pledge of allegiance, a few American classic songs sung by SRA students, and words from the service members in attendance.
One speaker in particular was Mr. Brown, veteran and husband of SRA teacher Mrs. Brown. Brown gave an uplifting talk to the students about the importance of serving their community.
“What we all do and did in our jobs is about our community,” said Brown. “If it’s your school, your town, or your whole country - it’s still about you caring about others more than yourself and reaching out to help where help is needed. That’s what we should remember today and that’s what we should take with us.”
One second grade class even prepared handmade cards to give to the military members, police officers, and firefighters in attendance. After the students said their thank you’s to the heroes, the guests were given time to each announce their name and their title to the crowd.
"These kids were so far from being alive during 9/11, and are too young to even understand or be fully taught what happened,” said Principal Nick Stearns. “So we do this so they can know today is important and that what matters are all those who served.”
Stearns gave the concluding speech, which spoke of the importance of remembering 9/11 and the history of paying homage on the day to those who were impacted. He then called for a moment of silence as the American flag was lowered to half staff by former Marine staff member, Mr. Jenkins.
After the group photo, all service members were thanked and both classes and visitors were released, as the students carried on about their day in the buzz of patriotism.
It was a morning of remembrance and respect today at Santa Rosa Academy during the school’s 9/11 "Patriot Day Flag Salute and Celebration."
Welcoming in all elementary grade classes to the flagpole area on the field, SRA staff led the young students through a morning of song, motivation, and a visit from a few local "hometown hero" service members.
Decked in red, white, and blue attire, students from 5th grade down began their day by walking through the center of the SRA campus, where a banner and markers laid on the floor, welcoming students and families to write messages and names of those in their lives who were or are still in the service.
As soon as the students made their way to their designated class location beneath the flagpole, service members were led into the space by kindergartners who waved 5-year-old sized American flags, forming a patriotic barricade around the parade.
The short but sweet morning celebration consisted of the pledge of allegiance, a few American classic songs sung by SRA students, and words from the service members in attendance. One speaker in particular was Mr. Brown, veteran and husband of SRA teacher Mrs. Brown. Brown gave an uplifting talk to the students about the importance of serving their community.
“What we all do and did in our jobs is about our community,” said Brown. “If it’s your school, your town, or your whole country - it’s still about you caring about others more than yourself and reaching out to help where help is needed. That’s what we should remember today and that’s what we should take with us.”
One second grade class even prepared handmade cards to give to the military members, police officers, and firefighters in attendance. After the students said their thank you’s to the heroes, the guests were given time to each announce their name and their title to the crowd.
"These kids were so far from being alive during 9/11, and are too young to even understand or be fully taught what happened,” said Principal Nick Stearns. “So we do this so they can know today is important and that what matters are all those who served.”
Stearns gave the concluding speech, which spoke of the importance of remembering 9/11 and the history of paying homage on the day to those who were impacted. He then called for a moment of silence as the American flag was lowered to half staff by former Marine staff member, Mr. Jenkins.
After the group photo, all service members were thanked and both classes and visitors were released, as the students carried on about their day in the buzz of patriotism.
