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Country Kids Receives Flag
flag kids
Pre-kindergarten students at Escalons Country Kids Child Development Center smile proudly as they surround a special flag, sent to them by CW4 William Craig, whose son was at the center last year. - photo by Marg Jackson/The Times

A treasured gift from a local hero, the students at Country Kids Child Development Center in Escalon are proud ‘owners’ of an American Flag from CW4 William Craig. His son, Andre Craig, was a student at Country Kids and now attends kindergarten in the Escalon Unified School District.

On Feb. 6, the flag was “flown on a Resupply Mission, aboard a CH-47D Chinook in the face of the enemy in Afghanistan,” reads the official proclamation the center receive with the flag.

“This flag symbolizes the strength of the Nation and the determination of our Armed Forces to fight and win on the front lines of America’s War on Terrorism.”

Craig serves with Company B, 1-126th Aviation GSAB, with the California Army National Guard. Children at Country Kids sent cards and ‘care packages’ to Craig and his fellow soldiers, with the center in turn receiving the special flag and acknowledgement from the troops regarding the support.

“On behalf of the Delta Schooners, this flag is presented in grateful appreciation for your patriotism and dedication to those serving in Operation Enduring Freedom,” the proclamation reads. “Your unselfish support bears witness to the resolve of the United States against those forces threatening the freedom of the world.

“From those of us on the front lines in the War on Terrorism, we salute you.”

Country Kids officials said they will proudly display the flag and children will be able to salute it every morning.