FORT BENNING, Ga., (May 11, 2016) -- "It's been one of the few places where I've found a voice. Under the leadership of Principal Martinez, this school has thrived. Here, you can definitely find something to be inspired about," said Michelle Ossa, a Spanish teacher, about her time at Frank R. Loyd Elementary School, which will close its doors May 27 after 57 years.
Students, faculty and staff of Loyd Elementary concluded a week's worth of events recognizing the school's closing May 6 with the retiring of its flag.
During the event, students sang a song written by Mamie Rush, one of the school's teachers.
"It's been an evolution of education. I've been here since 1987 and I've seen a lot of changes. But one thing has remained constant and that's the atmosphere. It's been a wonderful place for children to learn," Rush said.
Bonnie Loyd, the only sister of 2nd Lt. Frank R. Loyd and the only surviving member of his immediate Family, was the guest of honor at the flag retiring ceremony.
Once the school flag was lowered for the final time, it was presented to her.
Placing her hand over her heart, Loyd said, "I felt something right here. It was very moving,"
"I have a flag pole at home and I'm going to put the flag on it. And everyone who sees it will wonder what on earth is that and then I can tell them the story," she added.
This was her third time visiting the school. The first time was with her mother in 1989.
"I felt that it was a great honor to have a school named for my brother. It was emotional for my mother, but she was happy as can be," Loyd said.
The second time was to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary in 2009.
Loyd's partners in education also took part in the day.
"It's a special day, but it's a sad day," said Janet Davis, the president and chief executive officer of Kinetic Credit Union.
Kinetic Credit Union has been one of Loyd Elementary's partners in education for four years.
"Today, we remember how wonderful Loyd has been for the students and the tremendous influence it had on their lives," she added.
"It's been emotional, but very positive," said Bob Jeswald, chief meteorologist at WRBL.
WRBL is another Loyd partner in education.
"This means everything to me. When you think of Loyd you see these kids' faces. Their parents and what they've done for us. Back in 2008, there was heavy deployment and being there for these kids when moms and dads couldn't was very special and humbling. It truly is this military Family," Jeswald added.
"I've really enjoyed being a part of this week's event. I've only been the PIE coordinator for a short time, but engaging in activities with the kids has been a lot of fun," said Capt. Kevin Davis, battalion operations officer for the 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade.
The 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade is also a partner in education.
Following the retiring of the flag, a time capsule buried in 2009 at the foot of the flagpole was unearthed. Some of the things inside included a Dell keyboard mouse, a school banner, CDs and an old cell phone.
After that, a tree was planted in place of the time capsule to honor the spirit of Loyd.
Dorothy McDaniel, one of the executive directors at the nonprofit organization Tree Columbus, was on-site to help with that.
"The PIE partners for Loyd came to us and asked if we would be a part of their efforts to leave a legacy at Loyd. And the PIE partners felt that a tree planting was a great way to have a living memory of the school for the kids," McDaniel explained.
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