Sarah Sousa Correspondent <\/p>\n
FALL RIVER A Flag Day ceremony held outside of Government Center honored individuals who currently serve, have served and those who have lost their lives fighting for the nations freedom. <\/p>\n
City Councilor Raymond Mitchell invited the community and students from Doran school to commemorate the countrys 240th Flag Day. <\/p>\n
Mitchell said the American flag is more than just a flag. The flag represents freedom all of us have. <\/p>\n
The flag raised was flown over the United States Capitol, according to Mitchell. <\/p>\n
Mitchell emphasized that the people and students standing before him would not be able to have been present if it werent for the dedication and commitment of the individuals who fought for freedom. <\/p>\n
Carlene Barret and Sue Galloway were invited to the podium by Mitchell to receive an American flag honoring Barretts son and Galloways grandson, Sgt. Robert Barrett, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. <\/p>\n
Traffic Officer Rachel Rapoza sang The Star Spangled Banner accompanied by first grade students, Nevaeh Dumont, Melissa PegaJesus, Jayden Williams and Tate Reth from the Doran school, who led the crowd in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. <\/p>\n
City Council Vice President Linda Pereira emphasized the importance of remembering when looking at the American flag. <\/p>\n
Pereira, directing her speech toward the Doran students, said she wants them stopping to pay tribute to the nations flag whenever they come upon the flag. <\/p>\n
Doran students should be proudly waving the flags they received at the ceremony, according to Pereira. <\/p>\n
She emphasized how important it is to remember and understand exactly what the flag stands for every single time it is looked at. <\/p>\n
I hope you remember all the love you have in your heart for the United States of America, said Pereira. <\/p>\n
She listed what quality of the United States of America each color on the flag represents. <\/p>\n
White represents freedom. Blue represents loyalty of the military and first responders. Red represents bravery. <\/p>\n
Seventh-grade students from the Doran school, Mackenzie Brito, Cassandra Franca and Isaac Paiva recited facts pertaining to the American flag such as its origins and the general uses of flags throughout history. <\/p>\n
According to the students, the flag represents strength and freedom. <\/p>\n
To conclude the ceremony, Rapoza sang America the Beautiful before students from Doran school released doves and pigeons into the air. <\/p>\n
The doves released represent peace according to Mitchell. <\/p>\n
During this event, State Rep. Alan Silvia was also hosting a Flag Day event at Battleship Cove. Flags were distributed to veterans and constituents of the 7th Bristol District. <\/p>\n
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Originally posted here:<\/p>\n
Those who fought for freedom honored at Fall River Flag Day ceremony - Fall River Herald News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sarah Sousa Correspondent FALL RIVER A Flag Day ceremony held outside of Government Center honored individuals who currently serve, have served and those who have lost their lives fighting for the nations freedom. City Councilor Raymond Mitchell invited the community and students from Doran school to commemorate the countrys 240th Flag Day. Mitchell said the American flag is more than just a flag Continue reading