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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 16, 2021)
6A | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | SIUSLAW NEWS created by President Eisen- hower to select the appropriate symbol for the country. The flag’s stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue rep- resents vigilance, perseverance and justice. Despite its auspicious be- ginnings, Flag Day is not a fed- eral holiday and only the State of Pennsylvania recognizes it as a legal holiday. Among those who observe the day is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which has celebrated the holi- day since the early days of the organization. Allegiance to the flag is a requirement of every member. In 1907, the BPOE Grand Lodge designated by resolu- tion June 14 as Flag Day, de- SIUSLAW from page 1A “Yes, you can see it in the eyes, even if they’re wearing a mask,” Moser agreed. One special component of graduation this year was that all graduates, including those who received GEDs, were honored during the ceremo- ny. Siuslaw High School Prin- cipal Garth Gerot welcomed the seniors and their guests, saying, “Thank you for join- ing us tonight to celebrate the Siuslaw High School Class of 2021 as they conclude their high school education. These students have over- come tremendous obstacles to get here tonight and have demonstrated incredible re- silience and perseverance.” During the ceremony, Florence Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3232 presented colors and the Siuslaw High School Choir led the Nation- al Anthem. Next, presentations were given by the Outstanding Se- nior Girl Brea Blankenship cades before it’s recognition nationally. The Grand Lodge of the Order of Elks adopted mandatory observance of the occasion by every Lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues. According to George Bandy, member of the Florence Elks Lodge #1858 and a veteran, “This day is extra special to us as Elks. As such with charity, we hold it close to our hearts.” The local Elks Lodge cel- ebrated the American Flag Monday in a socially distanced ceremony recognizing the changes in the design of the flag over the years. One com- ponent was guest speaker, Sha- ron J. Armstrong, Captain of US Coast Guard Reserve (re- tired), reading the history of the country and the flags.” Each flag was represented, from 1775 to the present flag along with the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW- MIA) Flag from the Vietnam era. Flag Day was also observed and Outstanding Senior Boy Elijah Blankenship. For Brea, she said the de- fining characteristic of the Class of 2021 is that it is a class of leaders. “I think it’s because of leadership in this class that we were able to make the most of our senior year giv- en the circumstances,” she said. “We went into this year optimistic, knowing that it was unlikely we would ever get a normal senior year, but we remained determined to keep the traditions alive.” As for Elijah, “We learned that we can make the best out of our circumstances and it just requires us taking ac- tion. Most importantly, we’ve learned that we need to take responsibility for our own successes.” Next, Siuslaw School Board members Paul Burns and John Barnett joined fac- ulty members Max Perry and Sean O’Mara in presenting diplomas to the seniors. Elijah read the roll, an- nouncing each senior’s hon- Local veterans and community members attended events honoring the American flag on June 14, Flag Day. by members of American Le- gion Francis M. Yost Post 59, based in Florence, along with other veterans, in the green- space across from Veterans Memorial Park in Historic Old Town Florence. The ceremony was solemn, befitting the sacred honor of retiring deteriorating Ameri- can flags. Nearly 100 flags were dropped off at local vet-related locations and a collection of veterans from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled Amer- ican Veterans (DAV) were on hand to take the flags to the firepits created especially for the ceremony. According to DAV leader Steve Baggin, “The flag is a symbol of everything Ameri- ca stands for: freedom, justice and patriotism. It is important that we remember the mean- ing of the flag and what it stands for.” Florence as a community ors as they crossed the po- dium to shake hands and receive their diplomas. In addition, each graduate re- ceived a sunflower as they returned to their seats. Then, Gerot and Vice Principal Dave Goetz direct- ed the seniors to move their tassels from right to left. “On behalf of the Siuslaw School Board of Directors, Superintendent Andy Grz- eskowiak, the teachers and staff of Siuslaw High School and the rest of the Siuslaw School District, it is our plea- sure to introduce the Siuslaw High School graduated Class of 2021,” the administrators said. The graduates tossed their hats before walking out to the class song, “Six Feet Apart” by Luke Combs, and greeting the gathered guests. In all, 72 diplomas were distributed during the cere- mony out of 94 total gradu- ates. For Moser, who is mov- ing out of state at the end of the school year, “We felt this year it was very perti- nent to go back and honor everybody for their accom- plishments. And to those students who weren’t able to make it tonight, a shout out from the staff. We be- lieve in every student who comes into these doors and leaves these doors. We wish only the best for them. Even though they couldn’t be here tonight, they’re definitely in our thoughts and they will they always will be. We wish them the best of luck.” People can view the Siu- slaw graduation at Siuslaw High School Events on YouTube or by visiting Siuslaw.k12.or.us. honors the day by participat- ing in Florence Kiwanis Club’s Flag Program. As such, hun- dreds of flags lined Highway 101, Rhododendron Drive and the Old Town area. This was important to the gathered veterans at the Flag Retirement Ceremony, as several expressed the belief that younger generations are Dine in and Outdoor Seating is available Cocktails to Go! 2020 VOTED F BEST O F LO E R NC From our family to your family, thank you! We appreciate your support and hope you are all doing well. Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Salsa 2825 Hwy 101, Florence • 541-997-1144 Let me Showcase your property. 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Exceptional Residential and Memory Care We at New Friends Memory and Residential Care of Florence want to remind everyone of what Winston Churchill once said, that we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Let’s stand together through these diffi cult times. NOTICE We’re buying used cars, trucks and SUV’s. Any make or model, paid for or not. Please call today for quote. All quotes by appointment only. Johnston Motor Company Since 1939 3321 Oak Street Phone: 541-902-8821 Florence, OR 97439 Email us: info@newfriendsoffl orence.com In Florence we have 93% of our residents and 87% of our staff who have been vaccinated. What safer place to live can you fi nd. 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK Sponsored by THE izaac mattson juNIOR basketBALL HIGHLIGHT: The Sports Club, the Siuslaw News and Coast Radio Sports congratulate junior Siuslaw Basketball player Izaac Mattson as this week’s Athlete of the Week. 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Opal continues to be the leader and court general for the Sailors and has been their most prolific scorer with double figure stats multiple times during the Sailor’s season. SPORTS CLUB RIVER HOUSE INN BLUE HERON GALLERY SEA LION CAVES CASCADE TITLE CENTRAL COAST DISPOSAL A & W RESTAURANT WHITE CLOUD ENTERPRISES DUTCH BROS. JOE HENRY MORTGAGE LOANS SHAWN FLEMING CONSTRUCTION BARBARA'S CUSTOM INTERIORS TWIN LAKES STORE SIUSLAW MEDICAL CLINIC SHERVIN'S TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE NORTHWEST MEMORY CARE W.G. PETERSON WOODWORKING COASTAL HOME SERVICES LEISURE EXCAVATING BOBA FLO BUBBLETEA & COFFEE ROSA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT SWANSON PEST MANAGEMENT LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE COAST PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE FLORENCE ELECTRIC OLD TOWN INN