GREEN MOUNTAIN – The first day of the 2025-26 school year for GMG Elementary was on Monday, Aug. 25. The morning included the annual Flag Raising Ceremony provided by the Gladbrook American Legion Post #127 and the Gladbrook Legion Auxiliary.

Elementary Principal Stacie Busch welcomed everyone and introduced Trudi Scott, Auxiliary Treasurer, who spoke to the students on Americanism. She told the students that “when we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we are reminding ourselves that we are part of one big team. … ‘one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all’ means we promise to stand together, respect each other, and make sure everyone is treated fairly.” She finished up saying “America isn’t special just because of the land and mountains or even our flag – it’s the people. It’s all of us working together, showing kindness to all, and believing in freedom and fairness.”

Candace Bartel, Auxiliary VP, presented Principal Busch with a new American flag for the 2025/26 school year. The flag was then raised by Kinley Miller, a GMG student and Gladbrook Auxiliary Junior (assisted by Mr. Steven). The students and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem.

The Color Guard (Bob Knaack, Ron Busch, Jim Quisberg, Dennis Haack) retired the colors and the students headed back inside to finish out the rest of their first day of school.