Despite the onslaught of divisiveness rhetoric and controversy currently gripping the country, a heartwarming story involving two Florida elementary school students, a rainstorm, and an American flag is gaining national attention for all the right reasons.
At Coppergate Elementary School in Middleburg, Florida, the youth safety patrol is responsible for properly lowering, folding, and storing the American flag flown in the school’s courtyard at the end of each school day. Earlier this month, student’s Nate and Isaac proved just how seriously they take their jobs, when they braved a torrential rain storm to carry out their duty.
Photos of the patriotic moment began making their way around social media, after the school shared its pride in the young men’s actions on Facebook, which included completing the proper 13 folds and shielding the flag from the elements as it was brought inside.
“This is what RESPECT looks like at Coppergate,” the post read alongside side pictures of Nate and Isaac taking down the flag.
“Two of our safety patrols, Nate and Isaac, quietly went to the courtyard and completed their flag duty in a driving rainstorm,” the post continued. “Not only did they bring the flag down, they also stood in the wind and rain and calmly completed the 13 folds. Then Nate protected the flag as he walked with honor and respect to retire it for the day.”
Commenters—including former and active military personnel and their families—flooded the initial post praising the boys’ “integrity and accountability,” and it didn’t take long for story to make the national news.
Two students at a Florida elementary school brave pouring rain to properly lower and fold the American flag. https://t.co/8Yj7IMh8dO pic.twitter.com/644gZAo6oy
— ABC News (@ABC) August 24, 2017
On Thursday, the school once again took to Facebook to share that they have been “overwhelmed and amazed with the power of positivity” the story has sparked. Ultimately, the school said it is proud of its students.
“We are proud of not only Nate and Isaac, but all of our students… for their responsibility, respect, devotion to duty, and love of country.”