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Ward has new flag, thanks to students' promise

Foxx delivers Stars and Stripes that flew over U.S. Capitol on April 23 in honor of Ward Elementary

By Paul Garber | Journal Reporter

May 15, 2008

Ward Elementary School's tattered American flag clung to the flagpole as Adam Fletcher tried to bring it down for the last time Monday, its wind-swept edges wrapped around the top as if it knew that its time gracing the front of the school was coming to an end.

Then, with a loud squeak and a clanging of the metal chain against the flagpole, it finally sprang free and made its way down as more than 600 students looked on and cheered.

Fletcher and fellow student Emilia Castillo then raised a new flag, which had flown over the U.S. Capitol on April 23 in honor of Ward Elementary.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District, presented the flag to the school during a ceremony marked by high winds.

"What could you have better than a good windy day for a flag-raising ceremony?" she asked second- through fifth-graders who attended.

Principal Wendy Johnson wrote to Foxx last month to request a new American flag and to ask whether Foxx could make an appearance at the school.

"Our outdoor flag has become tattered and torn from many years of flying above our school," she wrote. "We are asking if you would be able to help us acquire a new one."

Foxx asked the students to make one promise -- that they would take the time to learn about the American political system and register to vote when they turn 18.

"A lot of young people are getting involved in political life, and that's good," Foxx said. She said she is often asked which president is her favorite, and her answer is George Washington.

"He set the tone for what the other presidents would do," she said.

Kedlin Huntley led the Pledge of Allegiance at the ceremony.

Fifth-graders Patrece Duhig and Rebekah Coomer sang the "Star-Spangled Banner."

Both girls had sung in the school's talent show this year. Patrece is in the Crescendo Children's Chorus, and Rebekah is a member of the all-county chorus.

The girls said they were proud to be part of the ceremony.

"It's a dream for me to sing," Rebekah said.