Mount Morris Central School District

Our Mount Morris Elementary hosts a big celebration in honor of Flag Day each year! Flag Day, the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, was established on May 30, 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation declaring the national Flag Birthday to be on June 14th. This important tradition celebrates our liberties, families, friends, our Country and much more. Each year, two flags are raised in honor of Veterans and the flags that are lowered are given to the Veterans that were honored the previous year. Last year, we celebrated both Mr. Frank Cappadonia and Mr. Frank Lathrop, celebrating their accomplishments and honoring their service. This year’s honorees are Mr. Jerry Swain and Mr. Dean Smith. During his time in service, Mr. Swain has had 3 overseas deployments to Iraq and Kuwait. Throughout his career he has earned numerous awards including the Joint Service Commendation medal, the Army Commendation medal, the Army Achievement medal and the Combat Action Badge. Master Sergeant Swain plans to retire from the military service in September of 2024 and will have nearly 38 years of service at that time. The Flag in the front of the building will fly in his honor for 1 year and we will present it to him next year at our ceremony. In January of 1969, Mr. Smith received a letter from the US Government informing him he was being drafted into the Army and must report to Fort Dix, New Jersey in February, 1969. He completed basic training at Fort Dix and was given orders to report to Fort Eustis in Virginia for the next 4 months to begin AIT training as a helicopter mechanic. The Army allowed him to go home for 3 weeks and then they sent him to Vietnam.  He arrived at an air base in Canto Vietnam where he spent the next 13 months as a helicopter mechanic. Even though it was not his choice to enter the Armed Forces, he is proud to have served his country. He also hopes that more of our younger generations will think about serving our country. The Flag near the Athletic fields will fly in his honor for 1 year and we will present it to him next year at our ceremony.  “Flag Day is a very special day for the Mount Morris Elementary School.  We are able to recognize local men and women who have not only served Mount Morris but our country as well. Each year, I enjoy getting to know the honorees, their families, and their contributions to the Mount Morris Community!  It is a day that makes us all smile!” said principal Dean. We hope you enjoy this video slideshow: https://clipchamp.com/watch/xPoUllSkcv9