ALTMAR, PARISH, WILLIAMSTOWN, NY – APW Elementary School continued its time-honored Flag Day Ceremony this year, inviting students and staff members to honor our veterans and the flag of the United States.
On Wednesday, June 14 – Flag Day – students from preschool to grade six gathered together with staff in APW’s Elementary gymnasium. Joining them were a dozen community members, all of them armed service veterans and family members to APW students and staff. Veterans were escorted in by students while introduced and thanked to great applause. The school’s chorus led the gathering in songs honoring both the flag and the gathered servicemembers.
School custodian Joe LaValley explained the symbolism within the flag-folding ceremony while students Liam Mumford and Corey Gerszewski carried out the solemn duty. Once finished, the folded flag was presented to James Forkhamer, the seniormost serviceperson in attendance, as a symbol of gratitude. The event concluded with a video presentation that honored other veteran loved ones who could not be in attendance.
“The ceremony teaches students about the United States flag and shows the history and importance to our country,” said Danielle Wheeler, the school’s assistant principal.
The school has held the annual ceremony for more than two decades, becoming an important part of school tradition.
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