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Flags for Freedom

Continuing a meaningful tradition, CSH Jr./Sr. High School held its annual Flags for Freedom ceremony on June 9. Each graduating senior received an American flag, folded with care by underclassmen. The flags were handed over by members of the local American Legion Post and local Veterans, with support from Operation Democracy. This powerful gesture reinforces a simple mission: that every American high school graduate receives a flag—and, more importantly, understands the significance of the sacrifices it represents.
This year’s event was particularly poignant. As part of the school’s partnership with the Remembrance Bowl, Superintendent Joseph Monastero, Principal Danial Danbusky, Director Megan Gieser, and 13 students had just returned from participating in the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. Their experiences abroad brought a deeper connection to the ceremony and the historical legacy it honors.
Their experience underscored CSH’s commitment to honoring history not just in the classroom, but on the global stage. Superintendent Monastero shared, “Today, each student received a flag from an American veteran. This is not just a flag, it is a promise. A promise to remember. A promise to stand for something greater than ourselves. A promise to live in gratitude and with purpose.” As a gesture of thanks, Mr. Monastero presented the veterans with glass jars containing sand collected from the beaches of Normandy.
Director of Humanities Megan Gieser shared, “This moment is especially meaningful as we recently commemorated Memorial Day and D-Day and had the rare privilege of traveling to Normandy this past week – an experience I cannot begin to articulate. We walked the very ground where history was made, where so many gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Standing there, hearing the stories of survivors and veterans, we were reminded of the leadership, empathy and character that continue to inspire us.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Reanna Fulton, assistant superintendent of technology, also brought a deeply personal perspective. Dr. Fulton, a member of the U.S. military and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, shared, “I chose to answer the call to serve this great nation at the age of 18 and am a third-generation member of the US military. Just remember, no matter what path you take in life, be grateful for the sacrifice that enabled you to do so. If you live by the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, you will go far.”
Principal Daniel Danbusky closed the ceremony by urging students to reflect on the significance of the flags they received. “Please remember the hands that passed you this flag,” he said. “Accept it not just as a symbol of your country, but as a gift from those who have protected it.”
(Senior Ryan Reynolds had the distinct privilege of receiving her flag from her brother; USMA graduate Second Lieutenants Casey Reynolds.)
(We would also like to sincerely thank the CSH Ed Foundation for their generous donation of the American flags presented here today. Your support makes events like this possible, and your investment in our students leaves a lasting legacy.)
What the 13 folds of the American Flag represent:
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgement to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
11. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”