Denver Council presents “Pearl Harbor” flag to Vikan Middle School...

submitted by Steve Kelly, Denver Council President

On Friday, December 7th, the Denver Council presented a flag from the USS ARIZONA memorial to the 516 students of Vikan Middle School in Brighton, Colorado. The flag’s presentation capped the school’s two week interdisciplinary study of the Pearl Harbor attack. Council president Steve Kelly opened the assembly, attended by the school’s 516 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, by giving the students an overview of the events that led to America’s entry into World War II on December 7th, 1941. The flag, which had been flown over the USS ARIZONA, was presented to student council representatives by Sonar Technican 2nd Class Daniza Kramer of the Naval Recruiting District Denver. STG2 Kramer was accompanied by Commander Ann Rennie (XO NRD Denver), Chief Yeoman Eloy Wrangel (Command Chief NOSC Denver), Navy Counselor 1st Class John Garcia (NRD Denver), and Navy Cryptologist 2nd Class Angelia Sykes), members of the three local Navy commands represented at the ceremony.

Over the last few years the Denver Council of the Navy League has presented a total of 14 Flags to students of Denver area schools to promote a sense of patriotism and allow the students to meet veterans and currently-serving active duty Navy personnel. With so many of our World War II veterans passing away, it is essential that we teach today’s students about their heroism and sacrifices to the country. We feel that these U.S. Flag presentations are one way that the Navy League can do this.