The Mepham Flag Field of Honor has been a Bellmore-Merrick tradition for the past five years as a way to honor our community’s first responders. As the sixth annual Flag Field of Honor draws near, I interviewed Mepham social studies teachers Ms. Dennis and Mr. Patten, who co-run the Flag Field of Honor, to get the inside scoop about the exciting fundraising effort.

What exactly is the Flag Field of Honor?

Ms. Dennis: The Flag Field of Honor is an opportunity for our community to honor those who help out our country, whether personally or generally. People have purchased flags for military workers and veterans, victims of September 11th, and other first responders.

When do the flags in the Field of Honor fly?

Mr. Patten: We usually put them up the weekend before Veterans Day and keep them out until the weekend after Pearl Harbor Day.

Ms. Dennis: The seniors will put up the flags for our Field of Honor, which this year will run from November 8 through December 8.

How did the idea for the Flag Field of Honor come to be?

Ms. Dennis: Mr. Patten and I were introduced to the idea to put out flags from (former Mepham principal and Bellmore-Merrick assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction) Mr. Harrington, who had seen something like this in his home community, as a way to honor first responders. He wanted the Mepham community to participate in a Flag Field of Honor, so every year for the past five years we have done this as a project through the Senior Service Learning program.

In what ways does the Flag Field of Honor benefit the Bellmore-Merrick community?

Ms. Dennis: We sell flags to be purchased with all proceeds going to a selected group that is chosen every year. This year the donations are going to the Community Cupboard.

Mr. Patten: Mr. Harrington and Mr. Gomez would also receive emails from first responders saying how much they appreciate the Mepham community honoring them through the Flag Field of Honor.

How can someone get involved in the Flag Field of Honor project?

Ms. Dennis: Students can purchase a flag to honor any first responders in their family or elsewhere. The flags themselves are assembled by seniors in Participation in Government and Senior Experience. You can purchase an American flag for any first responder, and you can also purchase military branch-specific flags or POW/MIA flags.

How can I buy a flag for the field of honor?

Mr. Patten: Flags for the Field of Honor are always being advertised on Mepham’s Instagram page.

Ms. Dennis: Mr. Gomez sends out a link to the form in his weekly email to parents. You can also stop by my room or Mr. Patten’s room if you want a physical form, or you can check the Mepham website for a form online.

Is this limited to just students in the district, or can local families purchase flags?

Ms. Dennis: Anyone can purchase a flag, either in the Bellmore-Merrick community or outside the Bellmore-Merrick Community.

Since we are living through the COVID-19 pandemic, will there be changes to the Flag Field of Honor?

Mr. Patten: Seniors this year will assemble the flags more in stations to ensure proper social distancing.

Ms. Dennis: The students assembling the flags will be stationed outdoors and will be asked to wear face masks and gloves. Many events at Mepham were cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so we are fortunate Mr. Gomez was able to make arrangements to let us do the Flag Field of Honor this year.

Although we are living through a pandemic, we can still find ways to honor our nation’s first responders. Purchasing a flag to be flown in the Flag Field of Honor is a great way to be involved in the Bellmore-Merrick community. American flags cost $20 each or $50 for three flags, and military and POW/MIA flags are $50 each. Everyone who purchases a flag will receive a 3’ by 5’ keepsake flag. If you missed the deadline this year, be on the lookout for the Flag Field of Honor in 2021 as the tradition continues.