The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Liberty Flag Flies At Hoosick Falls Central School

By

submitted by Gail Smith

At 7:20 am on Friday, May 8, students got off their buses, checked into their homerooms, then returned to watch the flag-raising ceremony at the School flagpole, led by Anna Brewer, Jake Restino and Stephanie Merwin, all participants in the program at the Pacific National Cemetery in Honolulu. About 175 students and teachers came out to witness the ceremony. Jake and Stephanie rose Liberty with the help of Veterans Mark Folgert and Pat Kelly; then Anna closed with a prayer for those in harm’s way.

The Senior Band played The National Anthem, then as Liberty flew proudly in all of her glory, spectators made their way back into the building. The following day, at 9 am, some of the students were back at school, joined by the Patriot Guard Riders, who retired the colors, and then the group gathered around and held the Hoosick Falls Fire Department’s Garrison (oversized) Flag while an aerial shot was taken from the ladder.

Village of Hoosick Falls Police and Hoosick Falls Fire Department then escorted the procession of 22 Patriot Guard Rider motorcyclists to Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church where the balance of the program played out.

Patriot Guard Riders, students and a few community members pose with the HF Fire Department’s Garrison Flag as a photo is taken from their aerial ladder. Photo courtesy of Gail Smith.
Patriot Guard Riders, students and a few community members pose with the HF Fire Department’s Garrison Flag as a photo is taken from their aerial ladder. Photo courtesy of Gail Smith.

(coverage of that next week).