Bunnell Gets New Flag At Ceremony Before First Day Of School

STRATFORD, CT — A new American flag was raised Tuesday in front of Bunnell High School on the eve of students' return to class.

Members of Stratford VFW Post 9460 presented the flag to Principal Nancy Dowling, and faculty gathered for the flag-raising ceremony and sang the national anthem, according to a Facebook post from Mayor Laura Hoydick.

Acknowledging the many uncertainties surrounding the reopening of schools in 2020, Dowling was emotional as she looked around at the gathering of teachers and town leaders, the Facebook post said.

“This is what gives students certainty,” Dowling said, according to the Facebook post. “It’s OK to come back to school.”

Town Councilman Bill O’Brien, who represents the Ninth District, which includes Bunnell, arranged for the flag presentation. Council members Laura Dancho and Bill Perillo were also in attendance, as were Public Safety Director Larry Ciccarelli and Chief of Staff Michael Downes, who attended on Hoydick's behalf.