Two students at a Florida elementary school were praised for their show of ‘respect’ for the American flag after they completed the 13 folds in the pouring rain.
Isaac Davis and Nate Helmath, both 11, are safety patrols at Coppergate Elementary School in Middleburg and are in charge of lowering the flag at dismissal time.
‘This is what RESPECT looks like at Coppergate. Two of our safety patrols, Nate and Isaac, quietly went to the courtyard and completed their flag duty in a driving rainstorm,’ school officials wrote on Facebook.
Coppergate Elementary School students, Isaac Davis (right, in black), of Florida, and Nate Helmath (left, in blue), both 11, were praised for their show of ‘respect’ for the American flag after they folded it in the pouring rain
Isaac and Nate are safety patrols at Coppergate Elementary School in Middleburg and are in charge of lowering the flag at dismissal time. The students not only lowered the flag, but they completed the 13 folds (pictured)
Last week, a torrential rainstorm passed over the school at the time Isaac and Nate were scheduled to take down the flag.
‘Not only did they bring the flag down, they also stood in the wind and rain and calmly completed the 13 folds,’ the school wrote.
School officials then said ‘Nate protected the flag as he walked with honor and respect to retire it for the day’.
‘We are so proud of Nate and Isaac for their responsibility, respect, devotion to duty, and love of country,’ the school said.
Nate, whose parents served in the military, told FOX 30 that it was ‘the respectful thing to do’.
‘I feel like we have good people in the country and that we should all be good,’ Isaac said.
School officials then said ‘Nate (pictured) protected the flag as he walked with honor and respect to retire it for the day’
The photos of Isaac (pictured) and Nate were shared on the school’s Facebook page. The post has garnered more than 1,500 likes and 600 shares. And many of the commenters, some who were veterans, commended the students for the job well done
The photos of Isaac and Nate were shared on the school’s Facebook page. The post has garnered more than 1,500 likes and 600 shares.
And many of the commenters, some who were veterans, commended the students for the job well done.
‘This veteran thanks you, gentlemen!!!’ one commenter wrote.
Another person wrote: ‘Brings tears to this veteran’s eyes.’
However, a few mentioned the country’s current climate and turmoil over the flag, which included the NFL.
‘These boys could show the NFL players a thing or two about respecting our flag,’ one person wrote, referring to the controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand for the national anthem.
Other NFL players have followed Kaepernick’s example, refusing to stand for the anthem in a gesture both in support of Kaepernick and his stance against racial discrimination.
On Monday, at least 12 members of the Cleveland Browns refused to stand for the national anthem, the largest on-field sign of solidarity by an NFL team yet.
Kaepernick (pictured right) has been at the center of a controversial silent protest, refusing to stand for the national anthem