Patriots Day - National Day of Service & Remembrance Memorial & Flag Retirement Ceremony

WELCOME Mrs. Studnicka We want to thank everyone who has joined us here today, as we educate our young students about civics, service, history, duty and honor. September 11th is a day that will forever be remembered and honored…for the innocents that lost their lives, for the heroes that never gave up, for the loved ones left behind and for our nation, forever proud and strong.

HISTORY OF PATRIOTS DAY & NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE & Brielle: On September 11th of 2001, the was attacked on native soil. This attack killed and injured thousands. It was the deadliest terrorist act in world history.

Peggy: On September 14th of 2001, President George W. Bush, proclaimed that day as a National and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11th.

Brody: On October 25th, 2001 a bill was introduced to the House to make September 11th a national day of mourning. The bill passed in the house 407-0 in the Senate on November 30th.

Olivia: On September 11th, 2002 we honored and remembered the victims of 9-11 on the first .

Madalyn: In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service & Remembrance, by taking part in acts of charity, service, and remembrance, and by giving back to our communities and country, we honor those who gave their lives on and after September 11, 2001.

Amber: In remembrance of the fallen, on these days, flags are flown at half-staff at the and on all U.S. government buildings around the world. Citizens are encouraged to display the American flag, a symbol of our great nation, at their individual homes.

Karsyn: The faith of our Nation was tested in the avenues of New York City, on the shores of the Potomac and in a field in Pennsylvania, but our strength was never stronger and our national pride never stopped.

Cailee: Hundreds of first responders, New York City Firefighters, Police Officers and Port Authority workers, never looked back as they selflessly rushed in to help and serve at Ground Zero. While another small group of heroes on United Airlines Flight 93, joined together to subdue the hijackers at all costs. Who can forget their fateful words, “Are you ready? Okay. Let’s roll!”

Kara: Instead of haltering our great Nation, these attacks ignited a flame of national unity, strengthened our will, and mobilized our volunteer spirit.

Noah: Today, we come together to pray for those who lives were forever changed on September 11th, 2001. Today we strengthen our resolve to stand together as…One Nation Under God. Please bow your head for a minute of silent reflection and prayer on this Patriots Day.

REFLECTION Sharon: Today, we also come together in prayer and remembrance…as we honor our most beloved national symbol, our United States flag. Title 36, Section 176, of the United States Flag Code states, “No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.” “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Would everyone please rise and place your right hand over your heart as we honor our flag that is about to be retired.

PRESENTATON OF COLORS Keaton: Color Guard…..Attention! Color Guard, Advance. (March forward to the backside of the fire pit.) Color Guard…..Post the colors! (Place the flag staff on the ground and hold it in place.) Please join us in reciting the Pleadge of Allegiance one final time before we retire this worn, torn, and tattered flag in special honor today. Aaron: I pledge allegiance…. Keaton: Color Guard, please retire and replace these honored colors. (Boys remove honor flag/posting new flag)

RETIREMENT OF HONOR COLORS (Read while they are removing and replacing flag) Mrs. Ramer When the United States flag becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag. Our honored flag will be retired today with all the dignity, respect and honor befitting the symbol of our great nation.

CREMATION OF FLAG

Mrs. Hoffman: This flag is a national representation of a free nation...dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We will now deconstruct and cremate this flag as it is retired.

Izzy: I am now old and faded, do not let me fly in disrepair…retire me today from my duties and replace me with a new flag so that I continue to be a symbol for our great nation.

Maverick: I am a simple piece of colored cloth; sewn together in a red, white, and blue design. A piece of cloth that of itself does nothing more than hang or blow in the wind.

Gage: I represent, not just my history, but that of every other flag that has flown before me. Books, songs, and poems have been written for me, and our National Anthem was inspired by me.

Jocelyn: I am revered each day when millions of people young and old alike, pledge their allegiance to me at school, at work, or at events.

Trevin: I am your flag. I was born on June 14, 1777, on that day I was the symbol of the birth of a new nation.

Hayden: I am a collection of 13 stars and stripes…that has grown to include 50 stars in a single field of blue with13 alternating stripes of red and white. Each star represents a current state in our Union. Each stripe represents one of the original 13 colonies. My field of blue represents, “One Nation under God.”

Morgan: I am colored white to symbolize the purity and innocence of our young nation. I am colored red to symbolize the hardiness and valor of our citizens. I am colored blue to represent vigilance, perseverance and justice that our country provides to all.

Ashlynn: I am a refuge for the weak and the poor of the world. I am the silent symbol of freedom.

Shamus: I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth.

Peyton: I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave their lives and fortunes. I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the dry deserts of Iraq.

Jack: I walked in silence with each of your honored dead to their final resting place, beneath the silent white crosses row upon row.

Maddie: I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity, and amidst it all I have been respected. “Old Glory” is my nickname; proudly I wave on high.

Koleman: Honor me, respect me, and defend me with your lives and your fortunes. Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position.

Kensli: Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive for the spirit of democracy, and keep me always as a symbol of freedom and liberty in our country. AMERICAN CREED Evan: On April 3rd, 1918 the US House of Representatives passed a resolution written by William Tyler Page, titled, “The American’s Creed.” It is a formal statement of the defining element of our American identity, traditionally based on Christian beliefs or beliefs of faith.

Jonah: At this time would everyone please recite the American Creed after me...(Echo Reading) "It is my duty, to my country, to love it, to respect its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag and to defend it against all enemies."

RETIRE THE COLORS Keaton: Color Guard…..Attention! Color Guard, Advance. Color Guard…..Retire the colors! Color Guard…..Dismssed

PRAYER & CONCLUSION Sharon: Please bow your heads for a final prayer and remembrance…bless the victims, survivors, families and heroes of 9-11 as we honor them on this Patriots Day. We also thank you, for our Country and its’ Flag, for the freedom and liberty for which it stands, as we are One Nation Under God. Amen. As we leave here today, please stop and honor each of our flags that has served us well with a moment of silence.