Students, parents and educators of Briarwood Academy participated in a special ceremony on Tuesday morning entitled, "See You at the Pole." It marks a time where those who attend gather around the flag pole to give thanks to God for the freedoms and other things that He provides in the lives of Americans everyday.
The ceremony also featured a special presentation of an American flag to the school's government class by a woman whose husband is serving in Iraq.
"He flew it especially for our American government class here at Briarwood Academy," said Kathy Chalker, a longtime educator at the school. "It's a very special flag. It was flown by the Black Sheep over Forward Operating Base - Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq."
Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Roush, who spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, has actively been involved in military communications in both Iraq and Afghanistan for the past seven years, according to his wife, Lori. Mrs. Roush and the couple's 8-year-old son, Danny, a third grader at Briarwood Academy, presented the flag to Emily Henderson, a sophomore from Washington.
The American flag "will proudly be displayed" in Mrs. Chalker's government class.
Ret. Master Sgt. Roush is expected home next month for 30 days, said Mrs. Roush. During his time home with family in Warrenton, he plans to visit Mrs. Chalker's classes to inform students of some of the good being accomplished in those war-torn countries.
"It's really cool what he and so many other American military troops are doing in those places," said Mrs. Roush during an interview with The McDuffie Mirror. "The media isn't telling the real story of what's going on over there and how our troops are helping those people gain independence. They are making great strides towards their own independence."
Little Danny held the American flag, once touched by his father and flown in a country more than half a world away, prior to it being presented to the school.
"It felt pretty good," said Danny, referring to his getting a chance to hold the special flag. The youngster has aspirations of someday becoming a firefighter.
"This is a very big honor for our school and we deeply appreciate it," said Briarwood Academy Headmaster John Hammond.
Senior Class President Ben Raburn, who opened the ceremony with prayer, said he feels fortunate to attend a school where he can pray and enjoy many other freedoms that others in different parts of the world can't.
"That's pretty special," said Raburn.
Band music and singing were provided by students of Kari Callaway's choral class. Mrs. Callaway later led everyone there in the singing of "God Bless America."
The special ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by Sarah Nutial, vice-president of the senior class.
It read:
"Lord, as Christians we know that it is our responsibility to pray for our nation and our nation's leaders. We thank You for our great nation and for the freedoms that we have as Americans. We pray for our president, members of Congress and all other leaders at the national, state and local level. Guide them as they make every decision. Teach them to turn to You as their primary source of counsel. Help them to know what a great responsibility they have been given.
In this election year, we pray that this nation will be taken in the direction that You desire for it to be taken. Give Americans a desire to get involved in the political process, but help us always to know that no matter who wins the election, You are always in control. Help us to not put our trust in candidates alone, but to always trust in You to guide our country in the right direction. - Amen."
