VFW Shows Point Boro Fourth Graders Meaning Behind Correct Folding of U.S. Flag

A tattered flag was replaced with a new flag in the traditional way by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4715, as a learning experience for a fourth grade class at Nellie F. Bennett Elementary School in Point Pleasant Borough.

Invited by Pauline Ambrose, local VFW Teacher of the Year, representatives of VFW Post 4715 and their affiliated auxiliary organizations performed a ceremony replacing the tattered flag earlier this week.

Positioned in front of Nellie Bennett's flagpole, Ambrose, her fourth grade class and school administration listened intently as US Navy veteran and VFW Post 4715 Adjutant Vincent Castin commended Ambrose and the school's commitment to honoring the nation's servicemen and women.

Castin then introduced his guests including Navy Veteran Senior Vice Commander Angelo Franjone, President of the VFW Men’s Auxiliary Bill Hill, President of the Ladies Auxiliary Sue Cole, Navy Veteran Pete Beecroft and Air Cavalry Veteran and recipient of the Silver Cross for Valor Ed MacNish.

As the new flag ascended the pole, MacNish played the traditional flag-raising song “Colors” on his bugle. Afterward, all in attendance saluted the new flag with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Next, the gentlemen began to fold the flag in the 13 ceremonial folds. Prior to each fold, Castin explained the fold’s significance.

“The first fold signifies our flag as a symbol of life,” he said. “The second fold represents a soldier’s belief in eternal life, the third honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The remaining folds represent tributes to country, family, mothers, fathers, armed forces and more.

“The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars face upright, reminding us of our nation’s motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ ” Castin continued.

Fifth grade chorus member Grace Enright then treated the audience to a beautiful and moving rendition of  “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Encouraging Ladies Auxiliary President Sue Cole to share with the students the story of the evolution of Francis Scott Key’s poem “Star Spangled Banner” to eventually become our nation’s anthem.

“The flag, or Star Spangled Banner was still visible after many intense battles of the War of 1812,” said Cole. “Its continued visibility after a particularly grueling battle at Fort McHenry gave hope and faith to many Americans ravaged by war.”

The ceremony concluded with Mrs. Ambrose and Principal Jim Karaba assisted by several students with the presentation of a commemorative memory stone engraved with the words “Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Men's and Ladies' Auxiliaries Post 129."

"On behalf of Nellie Bennett Elementary School, we would like to present you with this memorial stone for all your dedication and service to our community, and especially our country,” said Principal Karaba. "Furthermore, I would like to thank you for sharing this ceremony and its significance with our students today.”

He then urged the students to take what they had learned in the ceremony and share it with friends and family.

“The greatest gift you can give our veterans is to become great patriots and proactively express our gratitude for all they do to ensure our freedom,” he said.

“As we prepare for this weekend's Memorial Day festivities, please remember this ceremony and the true symbolism of our flag,” he concluded.

Replacing worn and tattered flags in the traditional manner is just one of the many tasks that fall under the auspices of the VFW.

Experts estimate that over five million American flags are flown in front of residences and public buildings across the country on a daily basis, according to a prepared statement from the borough school district's public relations department. But with the impending Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays just around the corner, that number of flags is expected to double.