Patriot Day 2018 was honored at schools across the Vestal Central School District with a moment of silence. At Tioga Hills Elementary School, students and staff held their annual tribute as well, with Cub Scouts solemnly conducting the flag ceremony.
Students also shared what the day meant to them. "When I think of the "Pledge of Allegiance," said Zoe Bolynn, a fifth-grader at Tioga Hills, "I think of freedom, independence and thankfulness for the leaders and soldiers who fought for this."
Another fifth-grader, Elena Struble shared, "When I look at the American flag, I always remember that red stand for Bravery, blue is for Liberty and white is for Justice!"
Fan favorites Mr. Howell and Mr. Doolittle performed "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless the USA" as students and staff sang along. At the end of the program inside, Cub Scouts from Pack 43 carried the flag out to the pole in front of the school and raised it to half mast with Mr. Doolittle's assistance.
These tributes help our students recognize the sacrifice that fellow Americans have made for our country and our freedom.