Before East Meadow’s graduating seniors walk across the stage this spring, each will receive a symbol of service, sacrifice and freedom — an American flag folded by members of their own community.
The East Meadow School District held its second annual Flags of Freedom flag-folding event at the Salisbury School, where students, veterans, active-duty service members and community volunteers came together to fold 660 American flags for graduating seniors at W.T. Clarke and East Meadow high schools.
The event was held in collaboration with East Meadow American Legion Memorial Post 1082, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592 and active-duty service personnel. Together, participants worked side by side to prepare the flags that will be presented to graduating high school seniors during the district’s upcoming Flags of Freedom ceremonies on May 28 at W.T. Clarke High School and May 29 at East Meadow High School.
For students, the event offered more than community service hours. It gave them a chance to learn the meaning behind the flag-folding tradition, reflect on the freedoms the flag represents and connect with local veterans who have served the country.
The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow was among this year’s sponsors.
“(The) East Meadow Kiwanis was a proud sponsor in the Flags For Freedom Folding Event in partnership with the East Meadow American Legion Post 1082 and the East Meadow School District,” club leadership wrote on Facebook. “Volunteers from the East Meadow School District folded 660 American flags for use during our Flags for Freedom Ceremony, honoring each graduating senior in the East Meadow School District. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making this event a success.”
The district launched the Flags of Freedom event last year as a way to honor graduating seniors while strengthening ties between students and the veteran community. Now in its second year, the program continues to bring generations together around a shared message of gratitude, service and civic pride.
