Photos: Flag Day at Riley Avenue School

Riley Avenue Elementary School second graders celebrated Flag Day with a spirited parade around the school’s parking lot Friday afternoon.

The students were decked out in red, white and blue attire while shouting, “USA,” as they recognized the holiday which was established by President Harry Truman in 1949 and celebrates the adoption of the American Flag 236 years ago.

The tradition at Riley Avenue began 21 years ago by beloved, and since retired, teacher Marion Dorman, to whom current teacher Terry Messina paid tribute to during the musical program after the parade.

The students read personal essays titled “What the American Flag Means to Me,” which they wrote for a contest at the Riverhead Elks Lodge. The students also sang patriotic songs for family and friends who attended the program.