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New York American Legion post plays critical role in hundreds of graduating seniors learning true meaning of Old Glory through Flags of Freedom.

The seniors at East Meadow High School on New York’s Long Island don’t graduate until June 26. But when they do, they’ll be taking with them what the U.S. flag means, the sacrifices made on its behalf and the importance of civic responsibility going forward.

On May 29, the school located in a hamlet within the Town of Hempstead hosted a Flags of Freedom program for its graduating seniors. Approximately 350 students were presented U.S. flags during a ceremony that included guests speakers, music and a strong American Legion presence. It came one year after the school district became involved in Flags of Freedom and again featured strong support from American Legion Post 1082 in East Meadow.

The previous day, a similar program took place for students graduating from W.T. Clarke High School in neighboring Westbury. Since its inception 13 years ago, Flags of Freedom has expanded to 10 schools on Long Island, presenting more than 10,000 flags to graduating seniors. 

“I think it’s just grown because of the impact and significance that it’s had on the students. And the veterans,” Vice President Lauren Themis said. “It’s a really beautiful ceremony. Everyone that hosted a ceremony has hosted it the next year, which for us is a sign that we’re in the right direction. And I think, really impactfully, is that it brings together two different generations and two different communities: our veterans and our students that are graduating.”

Having seen the program grow is “a dream come true. It’s everything that Operation Democracy has ever stood for, ever wanted,” Themis said. “Our goal, really, is to preserve and protect the history of our country, patriotism, love of country, honoring our veterans. And making sure that students know that freedom isn’t free. It’s beyond our wildest dreams to see that many flags given every year. And our only hope is that every student in America would receive this gift when they’re graduating.”

Flags for Freedom was started in 2014 by Operation Democracy and aims to educate American students on history, patriotism and respect for their country and its flag. For over a decade, Operation Democracy has partnered with school districts in New York, gifting more than 10,000 American flags to graduating seniors. 91Ӱ���ƽ�� came on board in 2019 when members of Howard Van Wagner Post 962 in Locust Valley and John Spittel Post 1285 in nearby Bayville supported the effort at Locust Valley High School. 

And for the past two years, Post 1082 has provided vital support in assisting locally. Two weeks earlier, the district and Post 1082 teamed up for a flag-folding event, inviting Legion Family members, school students and members of the community to fold the more than 650 flags distributed between the two schools; the previous day, the district’s W.T. Clarke High School conducted a similar program for more than 300 seniors.

At East Meadow High School, close to 20 veterans were on stage to present the flags, most of those Legionnaires. Post 1082 also reached out to other veteran service organizations in the area to participate.

“I think it’s incredibly important for the Legion to be involved in the community,” Post 1082 Commander Lenny Volpe said. “The post and the school district have an excellent relationship that we’ve been working on for quite some time beyond just the traditional Memorial Day and Veterans Day events. It’s an opportunity where veterans can be involved with the school district, support the students that are graduating, help educate the students on what it means to be a veteran, what it means to serve. And to have the symbol of the country with them throughout their life.”

When East Meadow School District saw the impact of the program, it wanted to become involved. “We’ve seen other school districts that have done (Flags for Freedom), and our board members brought it to us to do,” said David Spinnato, East Meadow School District’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “Mr. Volpe is a fabulous partner with us in the district. We thought it was just a great way to honor a really embedded military community.”

Having American Legion support is critical to Flags for Freedom accomplishing its mission. “Having someone like Mr. Volpe, who is so engrained in the school district, it is our honor to have relationships with (the Legion),” Spinnato said. “What our focus is, with this program and this ceremony, is to build relationships outside of these events. 

“We want our students to see (veterans) in the stores, in the communities, and say, ‘I remember you. I know you’re a veteran. Thank you for your service. I was at the ceremony last week.’ Things like that. Building those relationships is really what we’re trying to do: bridge the generation gaps.”

Volpe hopes that the presentation of the flag stays with the recipients. “I think it’s important for the younger generations to understand what it means to serve, whether they serve or not, and the sacrifices that we’ve made,” he said. “What it has given to them their entire lives and what it means to them in the future. So to have a flag in their possession will be a constant reminder of that service, the sacrifice that others have made for them on their behalf.”

The ceremony also included a challenge coin being presented by East Meadow High School employee and U.S. Army veteran Gary Schmaltz. And students who had a veteran in their family attend the ceremony were presented their flag by that veteran. 

Three East Meadow seniors – Kayla Lederer, Thomas Primrose and Bryant Sewell – served as the program’s masters of ceremony. All three shared stories of having relatives who served, including Sewell. Both of his parents are veterans.

“They both experienced challenges that required courage and discipline and sacrifice,” Sewell said. “Watching my parents has shown me the importance of respect, responsibility and perseverance. Even after their time in the Army, they continue to use the skills they gained to support our family and help others around them. I’m proud of their service and the other veterans as I continue to be grateful for their sacrifices every day.”

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1^st Class Andrew Vardakis, who has two students in the East Meadow School District. Part of his remarks focused the meaning of the American flag beyond a piece of cloth.

“When most people see a flag, they do see colors and shapes. Something familiar that blends into the background of everyday life,” Vardakis said. “When we look at the American flag, we’re not just looking at a rectangular piece of cloth. We’re looking at sacrifice. Men and women who stood beneath that flag, fought for it, and in many cases, gave their lives for it. Not because they had to. But because they believed in what it stands for. They believed in each other. They believed in a country worth protecting.

“It represents the lives given, the battles fought and the enduring promise that this nation stands for something greater than any one individual.”

Vardakis also noted the flag doesn’t only belong to those who have defended it. “Our flag is not only a symbol of our armed forces, but of also our community,” he said. “It is a symbol for all Americans. One can see Old Glory in front of offices, homes, government buildings, hospitals, stores and along many roads. The flag is often to presented to organizations and individuals as a gift or recognition for community service, holding a special place for us.”

East Meadow High School Principal William Brennan issued a call to action at the conclusion of the ceremony. “To the Class of 2026, let this ceremony remind you never to take the freedoms you enjoy for granted,” he said. “Each of you has the ability to make a positive impact on your community, your country and for those around you. Honor America not through words, but through your actions by participating in democracy, supporting communities, and leading with character and respect.”

East Meadow School District Superintendent Kenneth Rosner is the son of a World War II veteran and a Sons of 91Ӱ���ƽ�� member. His father has passed away, but Rosner has an idea about what he’d think about the day’s program.

“I think he would say, ‘Wow, he really was listening,’” Rosner said with a laugh. “I think he would be very proud.”