Waving the flag
On June 2 at 10 a.m. in Julia A. Stark elementary school on Glenbrook Road, the Knights of Columbus Lafayette Assembly #109 celebrated Flag Day with 600-plus students, parents, teachers, and staff.
We marched in with a drumbeat, 14 Color Guard members and Sir Knights of the 4th Degree Patriotic Knights of our order, carrying the U.S. flag and flag of our assembly. We were greeted by the second-grade chorus, singing “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” then Principal Jennifer DeRubeis had the students lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The best grade school choir we have ever heard. “It’s a Grand Old Flag,” the national anthem, and a thank you! We can all be thankful for the great efforts of Gregory Herrmann and Francesca Gennusa for the musical program and plan for the day.
On June 9 at 8:15 a.m.on the football field at Mater Salvatoris College Preparatory School on Newfield Avenue, we again celebrated Flag Day with 200-plus students, parents, and teachers. Marching in with our flags with the drummers and cymbals of the Westhill High School band under the leadership of Blair Roberts. Father Luis led a stirring prayer asking for God’s blessing on “this beautiful country of freedom founded on the principals of religious freedom and free speech,” then students raised the flag and pledged allegiance then the national anthem was sung by all. Our a cappella soloist led all the songs for the event. Father Luis and Father Tomas handed out certificates and awards for the U.S. flag coloring contest to students.
After the introductions at both schools, I was allowed to speak about the history and significance of June 14, 1777, the first Flag Day recognized by the Continental Congress. Students at both schools participated in all aspects of the day, speaking, and singing included. I spoke about the colors of our flag that represent our shared values and traditions we know today. Red for valor and bravery, White for purity and innocence, Blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
The students all were given American flags to bring home. You’ll be happy to know that throughout the event they waved their American flags. Our assembly raised all the funds for these celebratory days and had planned this for two years. The health emergency delayed but did not stop our hope to continue the 65-plus year tradition at Stark School (which I participated in as a boy.) and the first ever Flag Day at Mater Salvatoris School. The 900 flags, musicians, singer, and literature were all in accordance with the Patriotic Knights of the 4th Degree message of patriotism.
Our belief in Americanism, allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of the United States, is alive and well in our town of Stamford. The Stamford school system, teachers and students all exhibited everything we want in our children. Preparation, respect, school spirit, adherence to rules and, most of all, academic knowledge.
The principals, teachers and parents all supported our events. I am particularly thankful for the leap of faith to both principals for allowing us to sponsor these tremendously well-organized and well-run events. Our community will continue to grow positively and respect our traditions of America culture as exemplified during those days. Our goal as Fourth Degree Patriotic Knights is to support patriotism, these schools are doing it past, present and will in the future. If you want to send your children to great schools that support and encourage the things we believe in and need today, then send them to Julia A. Stark Elementary School and Mater Salvatoris College Preparatory School.
Stamford resident Ray Downey is a 4th Degree Patriotic Knight.