Camden Central School District -

On Monday, November 10th, the front lawn of Camden Middle School received a substantial, but temporary facelift in tribute to our area veterans. Stretched across its length down Union Street were 144 United States Flags. Each flag stood on its own - but together, they told a powerful story of service to all passers-by.

The flags were planted by the Camden Middle School Social Studies department as part of the Disabled American Veterans “Field of Flags” program. The program provides American flags for Veterans Day to participating organizations to create a “Field of Flags” in exchange for their fundraising efforts. For each $250.00 raised, an organization received two dozen flags.

The program raised $1505.00 for the organization, which offers a wide range of services to veterans - with an expanded focus on helping veterans with disabilities. Often - but not always -  those disabilities can be a consequence of the immense risks taken while serving.

Teacher Jeff Doran took on leading this initiative for Camden Middle School as a way to expand on previous veterans’ recognition efforts at CMS, while also giving back toward meeting the needs of veterans in a tangible way.

There is a strong tradition of honoring veterans at Camden Middle School,” Doran said. “This year the Social Studies department saw an opportunity to do something different but important, and accomplish two goals. One - to teach our students about service and sacrifice in the name of our country, and two - to raise a little money for Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping all veterans navigate and gain access to employment assistance, education, financial benefits, healthcare, and disability help that they have been promised.”

On the day before Veterans Day, Social Studies classes were taken outside to tour the flag display. They were given an overview of the meaning of Veterans Day and an overview of the three permanent flags that stand outside the building - the United States Flag, the New York State Flag, and the POW/MIA flag, which all carry their own distinct meaning. Then - it was past the “Field of Flags” for a reminder of the immense effort and sacrifices needed to maintain our freedoms, and our way of life.

The resounding success of the campaign’s first year has Doran hoping to expand on the effort in the years ahead.