Flag Retirement 2013

On Friday, May 31, Chets Creek Elementary retired all three flags that had been flying over our school for the past 10 months.  Our flag-retirement ceremony is a solemn occasion.  The principal addresses the audience each year and explains what is about to happen.  The patrols share pertinent information regarding the flag of the United States of America - what it symbolizes, what it represents and why we give it this kind of honor once it has been tattered and torn from the elements outside.  It is a great educational experience for everyone.

My job is to audition singers who will honor our flag by singing the "Star Spangled Banner" during the ceremony and locate a trumpet player who can navigate "TAPS" without issue.  Ordinarily, I go for the "cute factor" and choose little guys (first through third graders) to handle the singing and borrow a trumpet player from one of our high schools to handle the trumpet part.  This year, however, I was fortunate enough to use all of my own students (both past and present).

Ashlei, Conor and Lily - my trio who sang the National Anthem

Tori - a former student, now a 6th grader at my feeder school

I was extremely proud of my students who practiced hard and performed well.  They had been preparing for this ceremony for many weeks and I know their parents were proud of them also.  The weather was fabulous and everything came off without a hitch.  That's a really great day in my world!!

Until next time...

Flag Retirement 2011

Memorial Day is a day we honor those who have fallen in battle while protecting our freedom.  It is a day of sadness for many and a day of hope for many others.  I will never again be able to listen to the "Navy Hymn" without tearing up.  My father was a Navy veteran who served in WWII.  He passed away 11 years ago and his memory lives on in my mind and heart, especially while standing at attention and honoring our country's flag.

At Chets Creek, we retire the flags that have flown over our school in a ceremony prior to Memorial Day.  With 200 patrols, honored guests, our entire learning community and parents lining the bus loop, it is a sight to behold.  It is heart-warming and educational for our students.  It is handled with dignity and honor by my principal.  It provides us with a "moment of silence" in our hurried lives to reflect on the flag and the people it represents.

This year, I invited a trumpet player from the Fletcher High School Band to perform "TAPS" and one of my fourth graders to sing the "Star Spangled Banner."  Both students performed exceptionally well and it was an honor to have them take part in the ceremony.

Jacob playing "TAPS"

"TAPS" is a bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor.  Most people do not know that there is an actual lyric to this song, because it is always played by a brass player.

The lyrics are as follows:

"Day is done, gone the sun

From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;

All is well, safely rest

God is nigh"

Katie sang the "Star Spangled Banner"

Katie represented Chets Creek Elementary at the Florida Elementary Music Educators' Association conference in Tampa last January.  She was part of a 114-voice choir that performed during our clinic and it was a pleasure to welcome her back to the podium to perform for us.

May they never be forgotten...

Until next time...