Raising New Patriots
Apr 15, 2021 12:00AM ● By By Seti Long
The whole student body of Feather River Adventist School was on hand for Gridley VFW's visit last week, and saluted their brand new flag side by side with Gridley's Veterans. Photo by Seti Long
Feather River Adventist School is instructed by Gridley VFW at Flag Reception
GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – After months, nearly a year, of little action, Gridley VFW Post 5731 is back in action.
Last week, members of Gridley VFW visited Feather River Adventist School on a special mission. The school needed a new flag. Veterans Ed Kawasaki, Norris Anderson, Cheyenne Bart and Sergio Gonzales were honored to bring with them a new American Flag and take the opportunity to teach the students about proper flag handling and folding. When the time came for the new flag to find its sky-high home, students placed their hands on their hearts and waited respectfully as Bart directed the raising of the colors. Then all present joined in reciting our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance as the new flag flew above.
As teachers and students talked with the visiting vets, it became apparent that some of the younger students had questions. Teacher and fellow veteran, Rick Rincon, invited the group of vets into the classrooms to speak to the 1st and 2nd graders, sharing that some of his students did not understand what the military or war was. Veterans Bart, Kawasaki, Anderson, and Gonzales were great sports and agreed to the impromptu session. Each of the veterans took a moment to share their backgrounds, including what branch of military they served in and their rank, what their service included and answered questions any of the students had. Kawasaki shared what the patches and pins on his hat were, how they were earned and what they stood for. Bart, who was the only female veteran present, shared that she served on a Naval destroyer and served as VFW Post 5731 Commander and VFW District Commander. Anderson spoke about his time in the Air Force and Gonzales, although he was not born here, shared that it was an honor to serve in the United States Military. Bart may have summed it up best - the VFW organizations goal is to help fellow veterans and promote patriotism.
The students and faculty at Feather River Adventist School were grateful for the Gridley VFW’s visit, their new flag, a better understanding of what it means to serve our country and be a patriot.
