Osborn Schools’ fourth and fifth graders brought music and patriotism to the residents of the Osborn Senior Living Community on June 12, 2026 as part of the annual Flag Day celebration.
During the visit, the student group, known as the Melody Makers, performed “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” “My Country ’tis of Thee” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tricia Murray, who attended the celebration, shared the history of Flag Day, tracing its origins to June 14, 1885. On that day, a young Wisconsin teacher named Bernard Cigrand gathered his students in a one-room schoolhouse to celebrate what he called the birthday of the American flag. He encouraged his students to reflect on the meaning of the flag and its importance to the nation.
“That simple classroom lesson grew into a national tradition that we continue to celebrate today,” Dr. Murray said. “This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as our nation begins commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. For two and a half centuries, the American flag has served as a symbol of our shared history, our freedoms, our resilience and our hope for the future.”
Dr. Murray also acknowledged the generations represented in this audience and encouraged everyone to reflect on what the flag means to them.
“Many of you have lived through moments that have shaped our nation and our community,” she said. “Our students have the privilege of learning from your experiences and carrying those lessons forward. Events like this remind us that the story of our country is passed from one generation to the next.”
