Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment participated in Flag Day festivities Friday at Evans Mills Primary School.
Twelve Soldiers helped escort students and the American flag during a short parade in the area surrounding the school and raised the flag with students at the school's flag pole. Command Sgt. Maj. Carl Ashmead, 2-14 Infantry command sergeant major, served as guest speaker during the school's Flag Day assembly.
"We asked the local and military community to come together to celebrate Flag Day," said Michael Bashaw, Evans Mills Primary School dean of students. "We're teaching our children respect, responsibility and citizenship and to understand their part in our community."
Flag Day events consisted of an essay-writing contest for the second- and third-grade students; a parade with the fire department, police department, two humvees from 2-14 Infantry, Soldiers, students and members of the community; an assembly with remarks from Ashmead; and a Parent-Teacher Organization carnival in the afternoon.
During his remarks, Ashmead explained the importance of the American flag and what it means. He also called for students to learn citizenship and to be contributors to their community.
"The lessons you learn now are the most important ones you will learn in your life," Ashmead said. "You are in the best place in the country to learn to be the greatest citizens and patriots."
Bashaw said the Flag Day celebration had been going on for as long as he could remember at Evans Mills Primary School. Members of the community lined the streets to watch children and Soldiers march in the parade before raising the flag.
"Eighty-five percent of our school population is military," Bashaw said. "It's a great opportunity for us, and Fort Drum has been fantastic (with) providing resources."
Maj. Tim Hyde
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, carry the American flag with students from Evans Mills Primary School during their Flag Day parade Friday.
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