Lehman Replaces Tattered American Flag

With patriotism running high following the elimination of Osama Bin Laden, the sight of a worn-out American flag at a local high school was particularly disturbing.

On Sunday, May 1, Osama Bin Laden, the man responsible for the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was killed in Pakistan by the United States Navy.

At about the same time, Country Club resident Guido Susi pointed out that the American flag adorning Lehman High School’s entranceway was in poor condition.

Through Susi, Senator Jeff Klein was made aware of the flag and decided that it must be replaced.

“Many have given their lives for our flag and the freedom that it represents,” Klein said. “I am proud that, just in time for Memorial Day, we have made sure that Lehman High School has a flag befitting the great country and the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for it.”

Along with students, faculty, members of the Samuel Young American Legion Post and Guido Susi, Senator Klein helped raise the new flag at Lehman on Thursday, May 19.

Although he was gratified by the turn of events, Susi was shocked by the amount of attention that one flag at a local high school received. A tattered American flag is a bad way to represent our country, he said.

“I was driving along East Tremont Avenue and I happened to notice the condition the flag was in,” Susi said. “I was disturbed, to say the least. It was depressing to see a symbol of our country in that condition. I immediately wanted to reach out to anyone that could fix this and I am very glad it was. I never expected to get this type of reaction from the community, but I’m certainly pleased.”

Senator Klein was able to secure a new flag for the school and alerted Dr. Janet Saraceno, principal of Lehman High School, of the condition of the old flag.

Saraceno could not believe that the flag was in such bad condition and only realized it after she had been notified. She was glad it was brought to her attention and that Klein was able to help.

“My father was in the United States Service for 18 years and I grew up around a very patriotic family,” Saraceno said. “I really appreciate not only being made aware of the condition of the old flag, but for it’s replacement. The flag represents the very best of our country and the students and the staff at Lehman High School pay tribute to our men in women in uniform.”