AMSTERDAM, N.Y. --From the the songs, to the pledge. From their heads heads to their tables. The American Flag is an enduring symbol recognized around the world.
"It's a symbol of the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States as well as a symbol to reflect upon those who have given their lives and sacrifice over the years to ensure we have those freedoms," Navy Lt. Scott Brickner said.
Flag Day marks that summer day in 1777 when the second Continental Congress took down the Union Jack and adopted Old Glory.
In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14th as a national celebration.
Across the country, in classrooms and cafeterias, students are finding their own way to honor the stars and stripes.
"This is their flag day," WWII Veteran Carl Zanella said. "That's what it is. They should realize if it wasn't for that flag a lot of us wouldn't be here."
In the Mohawk Valley folks are already breaking out Old Glory. Six decades ago Congress designated June 14th of each year as flag day, but in Amsterdam they're celebrating a little bit early.
Flag day itself is something that almost didn't come about.
It took more than 50 years for Congress to recognize it.
Its still not federal holiday and only one state, Pennsylvania, recognizes it as a state holiday.
Many Americans don't even put up a flag. After all, with all the other other federal holidays, this one can easily be overlooked.
"A lot of people don't take interest. They have a lot of other things on their mind," Harold Dunn of Amsterdam said.
But not here at Tecler. As long as Old Gory keeps flying, these kids will keep singing.