Mary J. Tanner School students, staff, parents and local veteran organizations gathered in front of the school building on June 14 to embrace the importance of Flag Day.

Led by third grade speakers Samara Mestyan, Ava Goodspeed, Phoenix Birdsong, Nola Dunster, Millie Wilbur, Penny Gates, Madilyn Rathbun, Callon Fosmer, Scarlett Parker, Lukas Kessop, Jennifer Oshman and Landon Cotich, attendees of the ceremony learned about the red, white and blue standing for courage, purity and justice, when and at what height the American flag should fly and the basic fundamentals and history of the flag.

“The people who served our country are honored with our flag,” Mestyan said.

“We are all glad there is a flag day to celebrate,” Goodspeed added.

Organized and orchestrated by music teacher Brent Tuttle, the entire crowd sang patriotic tunes such as the “Star Spangled Banner,’ “This Land is Your Land,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” while also acknowledging all active and retired military veterans, EMS, police and fire first responders for their service and protection.

“This is the least we could do for our young people,” said Granville VFW Commander Butch Hurlburt said.