LEWISTON – A special celebration was held at the Longley Elementary School in honor of Flag Day on June 11. The program was sponsored by the Longley-Dionne Post 9150, VFW, of Lewiston. It is the 18th year the veterans have held the program.

Also supporting the event were Auxiliary members, Post 31, Franco-American War Veterans, Lewiston Lodge of Elks 371 and Lewiston Emblem Club 528.

The event began at 1 p.m. with a parade of students exiting the school, each waving American flags to the beat of a drum.

The students assembled around the flag pole, and School Principal Thomas Hood spoke on the importance of the flag, and the freedoms that we all enjoy beneath its folds. The students were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by the school staff and the veterans.

Each year, as part of the ceremony, students read essays writeen in a contest held for fourth through sixth graders. This year’s theme was “More Than Just the Stars and Stripes.” Reading their winning pieces were Adam Birkbeck, grade four; Thomas Wright, grade five; and Robert Dirsa grade six.

The students were awarded certificates for their winning essays and were presented cash prizes. Hood also received a $50 donation to be used for Americanism in the school library.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the VFW Post was presented a handmade quilt depicting the stars and stripes as well as special messages for the veterans. The gift was accepted by Past Commander Jerry DerBeghosian.

The organizations wre represented by Richard Giem, Roger Fillion, Brenda Bussiere, Armand Bussiere, Norman Kirouac, Larry Kirouac, Jerry DerBeghosian, George LeFleury and Wayne Cotterly.