100 Flags At West Orange Schools Honor ‘Heroes’ For Memorial Day

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Dozens of U.S. flags were put on display outside two schools in West Orange ahead of Memorial Day 2024.

People driving along Pleasant Valley Way will be able to see 100 American flags flying in front of West Orange High and Kelly Elementary schools as part of the “Flags for Heroes Project,” organized by the West Orange Rotary Club.

The flags will fly proudly in “recognition of leaders, community members, and veterans who have gone above and beyond to inspire and serve others” until May 31, organizers said.

A ceremony was held at Kelly Elementary earlier this month, with help from the West Orange High School AFJROTC and Kelly fifth grade students, choir, Sign Language Club, and principal David Marion.

Special guests included Mayor Susan McCartney, Superintendent Hayden Moore, WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero and Vice-Principal Dr. Lesley Chung, Town Council President Bill Rutherford, Board Vice-President Maria Vera, Buildings and Grounds Director Michael Cimmino, WOHS Head Custodian Michael Calderara, and Business Administrator Tonya Flowers. Rotarians in attendance included President Marlene Karu and Michael Karu, Joseph Vena, Cynthia Hadley-Bailey, and Shantel Ricks, along with community members.

Marlene Karu thanked the contributors who helped make the Flags for Heroes Project a success, including the West Orange Public School District, West Orange Police Department and other community supporters.

“The West Orange Rotary would like to thank this year's sponsors for Flags for Heroes, and to Seton Hall Prep for joining our project by displaying American flags on their grounds,” added Jerry Tarnoff, who helped organize the event.

The Flags for Heroes project can currently be found in 15 states, with more than 350 clubs and organizations recognizing their heroes. On each flag, a medallion is attached with the honorees’ names and their donors.

Flags were also placed in front of West Orange Town Hall in anticipation of the Memorial Day ceremony.

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