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 birthday of our nations flag to be June 14th. This important tradition celebrates our liberties, families, friends, country and much more.
During the celebration, two flags are raised here at MMCSD in honor of Veterans. The flags that are lowered are given to the Veterans that were honored the previous year. Last year, we celebrated Mr. Jerry Swain and Mr. Dean Smith, recognizing their accomplishments and honoring their service. This year’s honorees are Mr. Fred Barraco and Mr. Andrew Geraci.
Mr. Fred Barraco was born on September 3, 1926 on Damonsville Street in Mount Morris. When he was just 17, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Osage, LSV3, a troop transport ship that crossed the Pacific Ocean many times to deliver troops to the combat areas during America’s island-hopping campaign against Japan. Fred was in charge of the ship’s electric batteries and spent many hours as a lookout swaying back and forth atop the crow’s nest. His battle station was at the twin 40 mm anti-aircraft gun. Fred’s last battle was the invasion of Okinawa, where the large U.S. fleet was under constant attack by Japanese kamikaze suicide planes from April to June of 1945. In 1946, Fred returned to Mount Morris, went back to high school and graduated in 1947, in the same class as his wife-to-be, Barbara Webb. Fred went on to graduate from Geneseo State Teachers College and received his Masters in Education in 1952, then went on to teach and become a School Principal for various districts. Fred retired from public school service in 1981, engaging in a number of other business ventures including owning Joe Brown’s Corner Bar in Mount Morris and an ice cream parlor in Geneseo. Fred and Barbara have 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-granddaughters. 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 Flag Day ceremony.
Mr. Andrew Geraci was born in Cerda, Sicily on August 8, 1944 and moved to America when he was just 9 years old. Andy enlisted in the Air Force in 1965 and served for 4 years. During that time he was in the Vietnam War. A few years after meeting his wife, Rosalie, they moved to Mount Morris. Andy then enlisted in the Army National Guard. Andy was active duty for 9/11, where he worked the security detail before retiring. Each year, Andy placed American and fireman flags on the graves of veterans and fireman at our local cemeteries. He was a member of the Mount Morris Fire Department, St Patrick’s Church and Hally-Allen American Legion in Sonyea for 50 years as well as a former member of the Mount Morris American Legion, Mount Morris VFW and the Dansville American Legion. Andy and Rosalie have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Although Andy recently passed away, his family has granted us the privilege of honoring Andy and his service to his Country and Mount Morris. The flag near the athletic fields will fly in his honor for 1 year and we will present it to his family next year at our Flag Day 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.