Millbrook schools hold Flag Day tribute

MILLBROOK — Students from the Millbrook Central
School District’s Alden Place Elementary School and Elm Drive Elementary School joined together to honor Flag Day on Friday, June 18. New York recognizes the second Sunday of June as Flag Day, which this year was Sunday, June 12. 

On the 18th, Elm Drive Principal Michael Setero introduced Army Reserve veteran Doris Zerafa, who served for more than 20 years and now works in the cafeteria at Elm Drive. 

Zerafa, with the help of two volunteer Scouts from Millbrook High School, explained how to properly take care of the American flag to the students. She also spoke about the history of the flag and what it means to our country.  

The veteran also explained that when a flag is taken out of service it is folded 13 times, with each fold representing an American ideal or tribute. The students were surprised to learn that the flag is then burned and the ashes are buried.

— Judith O’Hara Balfe

Doris Zerafa served in the United States Army Reserves for more than 20 years and now works in the Elm Drive Elementary School cafeteria in Millbrook. Pictured left is Zerafa with Boy Scout Billy Tompkins and Girl Scout Madeleine Marchant, both students at Millbrook High School, as they prepared to retire the American Flag in honor of Flag Day. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

Students from both Elm Drive and Alden Place Elementary Schools sang the National Anthem. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

Doris Zerafa served in the United States Army Reserves for more than 20 years and now works in the Elm Drive Elementary School cafeteria in Millbrook. Pictured left is Zerafa with Boy Scout Billy Tompkins and Girl Scout Madeleine Marchant, both students at Millbrook High School, as they prepared to retire the American Flag in honor of Flag Day. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

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