Flag ceremony shows community and patriotic support

May 2009

On Friday, May 22, Monticello High School held a brief ceremony to honor the Memorial Day holiday and to replace the flag that waves above their entranceway to a new, larger version.

The event was planned by the high school’s safety officer Dennis Browne who is a retired NY City detective. As a way to honor our veterans, pay tribute to our fallen troops and to show respect for the soldiers currently serving in the military, Browne invited local community law enforcement officers and representatives from the U.S. Marines to participate in the ceremony.

School administrators, teachers and classes from the high school stood at attention while members of the Boy Scouts carefully folded and retired the old flag. Among the students were high school seniors Antonio Cruz, Christopher Dunn, Geraldo Montes, Bill Richards and Stacey Trinidad, who will be entering the military after graduation.

Apparently, when the school would fly the flag at half-mast it became extremely noticeable that it was too small for the size of the pole. After numerous comments from staff and faculty, the school’s principal, Arleene Siegel, was inspired to make the change.

“I’m proud that our staff feels so patriotic,” explained Siegel. “Symbols are very powerful in our culture and by changing the flag we wanted to show support for our country and our troops.”

The new 5’ x 8’ flag is now flying high above the school’s entrance.

Photo: Monticello High School Safety Officer Dennis Browne, center front, salutes the new American flag. He was joined by representatives from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, Village of Monticello Police Department and some high school students and staff.