Students Salute the Stars and Stripes

Elementary students paid tribute to the most enduring symbol of our national heritage Monday.

Calvin Coolidge Elementary School students held a morning ceremony in the school's Peace Garden in celebration of Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

The Stars and Stripes were proudly unfurled by children who serve on the school's Safety Patrol, as Principal Robert Famularo reminded the youngsters of the significance of the flag.

"It's a symbol of the brave men and women who fight to keep our country safe," Famularo said. "It's representative of our unity."

The principal asked the children to pause Monday to "think about the freedom and gifts you have," from our Constitutional protections to consumer items the kids may enjoy, such as iPods and Xboxes.

"We live in a great country where these things are possible," he said. "We have a lot to be thankful for."

The children also reminded their friends of the importance of patriotism. A student, Daniel, asked his peers to "think about our nation's history" on Flag Day, while another youngster, Bailey, recounted the history of Old Glory, saying the students were "proud of our culture, nation and flag."

The kids showed their patriotic spirit through song, too. Third-graders sang "Fifty Nifty," a Ray Charles tune, emphasizing that "North, South, East, West ... New Jersey is the best," of course. Kindergarteners showed off their chops, singing "Grand Ole Flag" in unison.

The principal later said that the ceremony, a "tradition at Coolidge," is an important lesson for youngsters who may only have limited appreciation of the sacrifice troops make in service to the nation.

Such patriotic displays help combat any "feeling of entitlement" among those fortunate enough to grow up here, where the costs of war may not be readily apparent. Famularo said the ceremony and associated lessons are key toward instilling a "sense of respect" for all those who fought for the flag as well as reminding them that those efforts continue.

However, the children have the benefit of interacting with a veteran on a daily basis. Crossing guard Clarence Baker, who's been at his post for 12 years, is a decorated Army veteran who served in the European theater in World War II.

Baker's service was acknowledged by Famularo, who briefly told the students about the guard's participation in the Battle of the Bulge.

"They're great kids," said Baker, who earned a Purple Heart, among other medals and ribbons in his two years in the service. "I enjoy giving back," said the veteran, who was wounded in Germany but recovered to finish his service in France. 

Baker was among the parents, teachers and students who followed the flag-raising ceremony with another slice of Americana: a Dixieland jazz band, which played standards to children who bopped to the swinging beat.