Published: September 25, 2008 06:18 pm            

Constitution celebration

ARCHDALE — What could be more patriotic than the flag, fire trucks and the singing of “God Bless America”?

Students of John Lawrence Elementary had all of the above and more during the school’s observance of Constitution Day last Wednesday. There was an assembly in the gym followed by up-close looks at a fire truck, ambulance and law enforcement vehicles in the parking lot.

“The Constitution is a list of rules that gives us our rights,” Principal Aaron Woody said to begin the program. He explained that freedoms such as the right to go to school or to travel all over the country are the result of the nation’s founding document. North Carolina, he said, was one of the original 13 states to sign the Constitution establishing the United States of America in its present form.

“That’s why we’re celebrating today,” he said. “It’s a time to pause and celebrate our country.”

N.C. Sen. Jerry Tillman, an Archdale resident, presented the school with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building. N.C. Rep. Pat Hurley told the assembly that the Constitution was signed 221 years ago to the day by 39 of our forefathers, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and James Madison.

Highlights of the program included a presentation by the Trinity High School Junior ROTC Color Guard, description of the American flag by Assistant Principal Judy Stutts, words from Archdale Mayor Bert Stone, singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” and a moving recital of “The Ragged Old Flag” by Woody’s grandfather George Lilly of Ohio.

After the assembly, students went outside, where members of the Guil-Rand Fire Department, the Randolph County Emergency Medical Service, N.C. Highway Patrol, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Army showed off and explained their vehicles and equipment. Children were allowed to ask questions of the officials.

        

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