‘Old Glory’ finds new home for Flag Day

NORTH CANAAN — Students of North Canaan Elementary School gathered at Sam Eddy Field Wednesday, June 12, to witness the stars and stripes hoisted high on a newly installed flagpole.

Celebrated two days early due to school ending, the Flag Day ceremony took place on a pristine spring morning. Patriotism was palpable as the students sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Grand Old Flag” beneath a clear blue sky.

“Red symbolizes valor and bravery. White: purity and innocence. And blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice,” NCES Principal Alicia Roy said as the student body looked on.

Scouts from Troop 22 presented a 5-foot by 8-foot flag (donated by scout Luca Bascetta) to be raised in traditional fashion.

Scout Master Walter Deane and the scouts from Troop 22 raise the flag at the Robert D. Pierce memorial.Riley Klein

As the flag slowly climbed the 35-foot pole, “Taps” played on bugle courtesy of the scouts. Hands covered hearts for the Pledge of Allegiance once the flag reached its pinnacle.

The new multi-tiered, metal pole was placed atop the base of the Robert D. Pierce Memorial. John and Lisa Jacquier of Jacquier Welding & Steel donated the pole and complete the installation free of charge.

“It’s for the town,” John said. “Just a little something to give back.”

At the site of the memorial once stood a cedar flagpole. The cedar pole fell some 20 years ago and the memorial for Pierce, a renowned civil servant in North Canaan who died in 1948, had been left without a flag for two decades.

First Selectman Brian Ohler presented the Jacquiers with a special recognition plaque to thank them for the donation.

“North Canaan is such a patriotic town. We love our flag, we love our country, and we have some amazing friends in this town,” Ohler said.

Scouts carried out the flag ceremony in traditional fashion.Riley Klein