Welcome, welcome all to our 70th Flag Day Celebration! In this tradition we welcome our neighbors and our families who come back every year because this is an event that brings everyone together,” said PS 34’s principal, Carmen Asselta. “Our talented children demonstrate their thoughts and feelings about our flag through their poems and essays, through song and dance, and through art.”
In August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. PS 34 celebrated the first National Flag Day, and a tradition was born.
As usual on the morning of June 14th Norman Avenue between Eckford and McGuinness was closed to traffic so PS 34 students could perform patriotic songs and dances in honor of America’s flag. Parents, neighbors, and guests lined the sidewalk opposite the school. This audience was 3 to 4 persons deep. George and Janice Weinmann from the Greenpoint Monitor Museum donned circa Civil War uniforms to present the flag in their role as color guard.
District 14 Superintendent Alicja Winnicki said, “I want to thank all the parents, families, and community members for embracing this tradition and supporting the students and school.”
Assemblyman Joseph Lentol was represented by his district office director, Eric Radesky. Other honored guests were veterans, members of the Knights of Columbus #293; representatives of the Polish Slavic Credit Union, University of Warsaw, and the Polish Cultural Institute.
Students from pre-K to 5th grade wore a variety of configurations of red, white, and blue, with each classroom in uniform dress. They filled the street with the joy of patriotism while acknowledging America’s strength comes from it being a melting pot of cultures. One winning essay from each grade level from 2nd to 5th was presented by the author. The winning writers each received a $50 gift certificate from the Polish Slavic Credit Union.
The Greenline 