Stars and stripes

Wright State Army ROTC cadets and the U.S. Army Recruiting Company from Dayton participated in a Military Appreciation Day at Mini University on May 20.

Britney Leavelle, executive director at Mini University, worked with Wright State’s ROTC Raider Battalion to respectfully replace the American flag in front of the Child Development Center.

“Our flag was a little tarnished from over the years,” said Leavelle.

Dozens of schoolchildren gathered outside to watch as the old flag was lowered, meticulously folded, and swapped with a new flag as a Mini University staff member sang the national anthem during a flag replacement ceremony.

“We want the students here to have a good sense of what the military is and know that we are here to serve them and the community,” said Lt. Col. Anthony Gonzalez, professor of military science at Wright State.

The students were given personalized dog tags from the Army ROTC to wear during the ceremony.

“We enjoy supporting this community since we are part of it,” said Gonzalez. “I’m glad that our team could come together and make this a special day for these students.”