The St. Regis Falls Central School District held its annual flag-raising ceremony Thursday morning, Sept. 11, bringing together students, staff, and community members to honor the lives lost during the Sept. 11 attacks, and reflect on the importance of unity and remembrance.
Remarks by Ralph LaPage, commander of American Legion Post #322, and Mike Mayette, a fellow member of the post, highlighted the impact of 9/11 and the importance of civic duty and patriotism.
Dickinson Center Fire Department, St. Regis Falls Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, New York State Police and Franklin County Sheriff Jay Cook also participated in the ceremony. Girl Scout Service Unit #415, led by Pam Susice, performed the flag-raising. Fourth graders at St. Regis Falls led the Pledge of Allegiance and fifth graders sang the national anthem.
“The whole time I had chills,” said Hazel Ormsby, a student in Peter Crowley’s high school journalism class. “Having an event like this brings our community together and helps us to remember those we lost.”
“I’m feeling inspired to go out into the community and appreciate everyone who served that day,” said Abigail Rivers, also a student in Peter Crowley’s high school journalism class. “This event really brings the younger students together to show collaboration and brings the community together to connect to our theme for this school year.”
The district theme for the school year is peace through collaboration.
“We’ve always had a flag-raising ceremony at the beginning of each school year, but since 9/11, it’s become a moment for our district to pause, reflect, remember those we lost and thank them for their service,” said Lynne Potter-Damon, who has organized the ceremony for the past 11 years.
The flag-raising ceremony is one of many events that the district holds to emphasize the importance of community. Mrs. Potter-Damon, a St. Regis Falls resident for more than 40 years, said community members have told her the school environment feels lighter and more welcoming.
“In a small community like ours, it’s important to teach students the significance of connection,” she said.
Mrs. Potter-Damon shared that after the ceremony, a fourth-grade student told her it made her cry.
“Even though our students didn’t live through the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and hope they never have to, they will continue the tradition of honoring those who put their lives on the line for our country,” she said.