By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Oct. 18, 2001
Members of the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard gave St. Patrick School students a quick lesson on patriotism.
Guardsmen raised a flag over the school Oct. 9 during an assembly of students dressed in red, white and blue. They recited the Pledge of Allegiance after singing "America The Beautiful."
The Rev. Jerry Daniels, associate pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Church, read a passage from the Bible and offered a blessing.
Representatives from each class presented Lt. Col. Randy Pope, commander of the 186th, with flags made by the students. Each flag had a prayer, a wish or a story written by students attached to the back.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.