The first recognized observance of Flag Day was at a school in Wisconsin in 1895.
Flag Day was established by a proclamation in 1916.
In 1949, National Flag Day was then established by an Act of Congress.
Today, VA WNY Healthcare System held a Flag Day Ceremony along with 6th grade Batavia Middle School students who created essays about the meaning of the flag.
Three students got the opportunity to read their essay aloud to the veterans in attendance and were awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for their efforts.
Maya Schrader, 1st place, Avelin Tomidy, 2nd place and Alex Bartz, 3rd place. Andrecia Richardson read Avelin’s essay since she could not attend the event today.
Middle School Teacher Frank Panepento presented a book of essays written by all the 6th graders at the Middle School to Veteran Stephen Stenko.
Panepento also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Stenko on behalf of all veterans at the VA.
Panepento then joined his fellow musicians, the St. Joe’s Brass Ensemble , in a musical tribute to the flag.