After crafting a paper American flag and letters to mail to a West New York soldier overseas, kindergarteners at Harry L. Bain School were presented with an actual flag a week ago Friday that had been sent back to them from the serviceman.
“These young students did a special thing.” – Sixto Cardenas
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As a Veterans Day project last fall, the kindergarteners had written letters and painted a flag with their handprints for New Jersey National Guard Sgt. Mike Alvarado, a West New York native and firefighter, who is serving his second tour in Iraq. The students’ families also donated dry goods to the soldiers.
“We really wanted our students to gain a sense of pride in our country as well as compassion for soldiers who keep us safe at home,” said kindergarten teacher Kelly Renner.
In return, Alvarado sent the students a flag that had flown during one of his missions. It was presented to them in a ceremony on April 10.
Along with the flag, Alvarado also sent a letter in which he wrote: “Kids, do well in school and listen to your parents and teachers. You guys really made our tour a lot brighter with your thoughtful gifts.” Renner read the letter in its entirety aloud during the ceremony last week.
West New York Mayor Sal Vega addressed the students at the event.
“Through your hard work and the dedication of all the kindergarten students, we have touched a special person, Mike Alvarado, who is a hero in many ways,” said Vega.
He added, “What a wonderful day to realize that regardless of your age, whether you’re a kindergarten student, or you’re a first grade student, second, third, fourth, and fifth, you have a great love for the United States of America and especially, for the flag of the United States of America.”
At the event, local police officers of the West New York Honor Guard folded the flag in ceremonial fashion.
“The American flag is a symbol of us all,” said Lt. Mark Flores, who helped prepare the flag for display. “It is a symbol that each American should respect, for it represents honor and courage and sacrifice and those who struggled to preserve the ideals of our country…freedom, justice, opportunity for all.”
He added that the best example of those who struggled is the soldiers.
The kids
The kindergarteners said they enjoyed putting the project together.
“It was fun,” said Brian Uribe. He added that his favorite part was getting messy painting with his hands.
The students also said helping others made them feel good.
“It makes me feel happy,” said Elizabeth Zuniga.
“It feels happy and good and everything that’s good,” said Anthony Gonzalez.
Another classmate, Kevin Rojas, said he was excited to get the flag from Alvarado.
“I like when they were carrying the flag and then, they folded it,” said Anyshia Gonzalez.
They also acknowledged the importance of having soldiers.
“He is keeping us safe,” said Nomi Cruz about Alvarado.
Alvarado’s wife, Olga, said that she could hear the smile in his voice when he told her about the kindergarteners’ efforts to reach out to him.
“I spoke to Mike today and he just wanted to remind everyone how much things like that lift their spirits,” she said over the phone last week. “He found it to be extremely heart-warming and endearing, and it’s those little things that bring a smile to their faces and it makes a tough situation a little more bearable.”
Amanda Staab can be reached at astaab@hudsonreporter.com.