HOULTON, Maine — Each Flag Day the first grade students under the direction of teachers: Tara Austin, Linda Cowperthwaite, Sarah Estabrook, Cindy Goodrich and Julia Rines at Houlton Elementary School present a special musical performance recognizing the history of the United States Flag.
Nearly 100 students dressed in red, white and blue marched around the multi-purpose room before gathering on stage for speaking parts and patriotic songs. Musical selections included: “God Bless America”, “Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy”.
It is believed that in 1885 the first observance of the flag was originated by a school teacher in Wisconsin. Through the years the observance spread to other states and finally in 1949 President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
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- Houlton Elementary student Fletcher Folsom leads the way singing and waving his flag. (Karen Donato)
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- Reciting lines are, from left, Sophie Weston, Allee Flewelling, Carter Foster and Alison Fagnant in honor of Flag Day. (Courtesy of Karen Donato)
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- The first grade students at Houlton Elementary School present their annual Flag Day Assembly to students and parents in celebration of the day. (Courtesy of Karen Donato)
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- Houlton Elementary student Ty Tweedie steps up to the microphone for his Flag Day presentation. (Courtesy of Karen Donato)
