Pictured are members of the Nichols American Legion preparing a new flag to be flown during a Flag Day ceremony on June 14. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
“What is that red, white, and blue in the sky? That’s Old Glory flying high,” wrote Brennan Sindoni, a fifth grade student at Tioga Central, and one of about 30 students from grades pre-kindergarten to eighth grade who were recognized for their winning essays in this year’s Nichols Flag Day contest, “What the American Flag means to me.”
Sindoni’s verse was featured on the front cover of the Nichols Flag Day annual flyer along with Kindergarten student Caleb Conden’s nicely colored picture of a flag-holding eagle all decked out in a spirited vest and hat.
A large crowd gathered at Kirby Park in Nichols for the June 14 Flag Day ceremony. Master of Ceremonies was Nichols Mayor, Lesley Pelotte. Boy Scout Troop 36 of Nichols-Tioga led the Pledge of Allegiance and Kylee Thetga performed the National Anthem. The invocation was delivered by Rev. William Prentice of Gibson Corners United Methodist Church and the Tioga Central School Junior and Senior High School Band performed a number of patriotic tunes.
Pictured is Veterans of Modern Warfare President Danielle Ingram, along with Bill Reynolds, who were on hand to accept a check from the Nichols American Legion for the sale of Veterans Tears, proceeds of which will assist veterans programs. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Special Guest Speaker, Ron Dougherty, a previous 30-year Tioga County government official, prompted guests gathered to reflect on, “What can each of us do?”
Dougherty elaborated, “We need to become more familiar with the Flag’s history and understand and respect it,” adding, “And we need to better understand the sacrifice that was made,” and referred to the sacrifice made by those who lost their lives in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and Modern Day warfare.
The Nichols Legion presented a check to the Tioga County Veterans of Modern Warfare (VMW) which represented proceeds from the sale of the “Veteran’s Tear.” Danielle Ingram, president of the VMW, and Bill Reynolds were on hand to accept the check, which will benefit veterans programs.
Pictured are students from the Tioga Central School District who were recognized for their winning essay entries commemorating Flag Day. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Also recognized was Vietnam War veteran Charlie Olmstead, who was presented with a plaque from the Boy Scouts for his community service.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a new flag was hoisted at Kirby Park, followed by a flag retirement ceremony.
Fellowship and an ice cream social formally concluded the event.
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