To the Editor:

I had the opportunity to attend the Capital Region BOCES  Career and Technical School awards ceremony at Proctors Theater on Tuesday afternoon, June 7.  The administrators and instructors put together a program that not only recognized the achievements of the students in the various programs, but they also showed a sincere and genuine compassion for the students they teach.

I am also very proud of the administrators at the Board of Cooperative Educational Services for getting the opening ceremony right. Attendees were asked to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by three students singing the national anthem.

I was so touched by this public display of patriotism, it brought tears to my eyes. It made me feel proud of this school and what it stands for.  I think others, public and private, should follow this example and stop worrying about who is going to be offended by our flag, our pledge, and our anthem.  It is time to wake up, America; this is our country and let's not be afraid to display our national heritage.

God bless America!

Al Gaige

Knox