Kingsbury First Graders Lead 8th Annual Flag Ceremony at Burrage Mansion

By: Bruce Herwig III special to Community Forward Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. — Scores of first graders from Kingsbury Elementary School gathered under the 70-foot flagpole at the Burrage Mansion on Tuesday morning for the 8th Annual Flag Ceremony, carrying on a patriotic tradition with deep local roots.

This year's ceremony landed in the run-up to America's 250th birthday on July 4, giving the gathering an added sense of occasion. The Rochford Foundation hosts the event each spring to honor the Redlands story behind the Pledge of Allegiance.

Kingsbury teacher Mary Fackler was so moved by the Pledge after its 1892 debut that she had her first graders open each school day by reciting it. Colonel Henry Lawton, whose children were in her class, brought General Joseph Breckenridge to hear them. The practice carried to Washington, D.C., and grew into the national tradition school children still follow today.

Mick Gallagher and Tim Rochford opened the program with welcomes. Kingsbury Principal Jeff Wray shared the school's history and the origin of the flag salute. Gallagher then read the inscription from the Rochford Foundation plaque that stands near the flagpole, dedicating the monument to freedom, equality, and justice, and committing those present to the foundation values of respect, compassion, and responsibility.

The Redlands Police and Fire Department Color Guard raised the flag while Ellie Gunn performed the national anthem. Teachers introduced their classes, and the students led the Pledge of Allegiance. First graders then sang patriotic songs before heading to the back lawn for lunch and games.

The Rochford Foundation has hosted the ceremony for the last eight years, inviting Kingsbury's first grade classes each spring to lead the flag salute. Tim Rochford, a Redlands native and Redlands High School graduate, purchased the Burrage Mansion in 2007 and founded the Rochford Foundation soon after to open the grounds to local children and nonprofits.

The program closed with thanks to the men and women who serve the country and the community. With the nation's Semiquincentennial approaching, organizers said Tuesday's ceremony carried extra weight for the students leading the salute.

The Burrage Mansion, built in 1901 by mineral magnate Albert Burrage, stands at 1205 W. Crescent Ave.