Students Accept American Flag Flown over U.S. Capitol

CRAFTSBURY – An American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol was presented to Craftsbury Academy by members of the Saint John de Crevecoeur chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on Friday, Oct. 25.

Craftsbury Academy Principal Lisa McCarthy introduces members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (huddled center rear) at a community meeting, Friday, Oct. 25. Member Mary Metcalf said she “hopes the kids learn something important about patriotism.”
photo by Soren Stelma-Leonard

At an afternoon assembly Principal Lisa McCarthy introduced DAR members Jeannine Young from Craftsbury, Mary Metcalf from Greensboro and Elaine Bellavance from Cabot. Young told the assembly the local chapter rang bells at 4 p.m. on Constitution Day, September 17, in recognition of the signing of the United States Constitution.

Mary Metcalf, Elaine Bellavance (holding flag) and Jeannine Young, members of The Saint John de Crevecoeur Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, present a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to students at Craftsbury Academy Friday. In presenting the flag, DAR member Jeannine Young said, “This flag symbolizes the enduring values upon which our great nation was founded.”
photo by Soren Stelma-Leonard

“As descendants of patriots who helped form the United States between 1775 and 1783, our mission areas are education, historic preservation and patriotism,” she said. “In recognition of Craftsbury Schools’ commitment to fostering patriotism, civic responsibility and educational excellence, it is with great honor that we present to you this flag which has flown over the United States Capitol.

DAR member Jeanine Young presents a flag flown over the U.S. Capital to the sixth grade class at Craftsbury Academy, October 25. The flag will be given to the second grade class at Craftsbury Elementary School to be flown at their school.
photo by Soren Stelma-Leonard

“This flag symbolizes the enduring values upon which our great nation was founded. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our forefathers and foremothers to secure the blessings of liberty for generations to come,” she added. “May it now fly proudly in Craftsbury at Craftsbury Elementary School.

Members of the sixth grade class then accepted the flag from Young, who presented a certificate of authenticity and instructions on the proper use and correct display of the flag to McCarthy.

The Capitol Flag Program began in 1937 when a Member of Congress requested a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol.

The DAR will present another flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to Hazen Union School on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.