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 Vincent Smith School students in Port Washington rolled out the red (white and blue) carpet for Mr. Joseph Reale, a representative from the United Veterans Organization. Mr. Reale, who is chairperson of the Flag Ethic Committee, was on hand to discuss the history of the American flag and how we should honor what it symbolizes.
Mr. Reale and the students discussed how a flag should be displayed, folded, and its proper disposal. Students also saw how a color guard is formed, with the assistance of some of their classmates. The sixth, seventh and eighth graders learned to take pride in the flag after hearing how it has evolved along with American history. Mr. Reale brought along the American flag, a Betsy Ross flag (13 stars in a circle with stripes), the Star Spangled Banner (13 stars and stripes), the State flag, and a POW-MIA flag.
Students learned that to dispose of a flag, they should give it to a local organization such as the VFW, girl scouts or boy scouts. All of these organizations are well-versed in the proper disposal of a flag. First, the stars and stripes are separated, and then the flag is burned and buried at a national cemetery.
Mr. Reale’s presentation concluded with the raising of the flag in the school courtyard, while students saluted all that it represents.
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