There was hardly a breeze on Monday morning to cause a ripple in the American flag at the Lakeland School in Meredith, but the voices of veterans gave the moment special meaning.

Veterans from the American Legion Post 33 in Meredith came to the school early to dedicate the new flagpole that was put up recently with help from a local company.

Michael Schneider, president of Optical Design Manufacturers in Laconia, donated the flag and flagpole to the school in memory of his friend Denise Tardif, who had children attend Lakeland School. When he heard the school did not have a flagpole he decided to make the gift.

"It was a pretty easy decision to buy the flag and pole for them," Schneider said. "If you think about it, it's a small price for something very big."

Schneider said he felt it was very important for the students to learn the history and heritage of the U.S.

"I don't know if they do enough of this in schools these days for the children to understand the significance of patriotism and to know what it means to have the freedom that we have," he said.

Before the flag was flown for the first time, members from Post 33 came into the school to teach the students a bit of history of the flag and also gave a demonstration on how to properly fold the colors. Veterans present included post Commander Bob Kennelly, Chaplain Henry Hall and Elliot Finn, who represented the Army and Air Force.

Before folding the flag, students were given a brief history of the flag in respect to its origin and what each design represents. Kennelly explained to the students how the 13 stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original states, and stars represent each state in the Union.

"When I was your age, there were only 48 stars on the flag since Hawaii and Alaska were not recognized yet," Finn said to the students.

Students witnesses Kennelly and Hall fold the flag with an explanation of what was happening. After each fold, Kennelly called out the meaning behind each of the 13 folds, a ceremony that is traditionally done by the Uniformed Services. The flag folding ceremony continued until the flag was folded into the shape of a tricornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn during the war for independence.

With Veterans Day being observed on Wednesday, the students were asked if they knew what a veteran was, with their answers coming very close to the real meaning. Kennelly explained to the students what a veteran was and gave a brief history of the day.

After the history lesson, the students were led outside to the flagpole where Finn and Hall demonstrated raising the flag and hoisting it at half-staff. The students sang "The Star Spangled Banner" along with the Veterans to end the ceremony.

"I think it's interesting to have a window into the past," Finn said. "We wanted to show these kids a little bit of patriotism. I think it's important for these kids, especially those who have relative in the service, to know and have a little more understanding of what this is all about."

Finn said that those children without a direct connection to a member of the service may be slightly disconnected. He believes lessons such as this one help keep the history of the nation alive and gives children a sense of pride.

"I think it's a good thing for kids to know about," Finn said. "There's no place like America, no matter if you're a democrat or republican, it's the best place there is."

Finn is retired from the U.S. Army and serving over 20 years. He was 17 went he began his military career, which was in 1944 right as World War II was ending. It wasn't until the Korean War that he was stationed overseas.

Krystie Glines, the receptionist at the school, contacted the post to have someone stop by this week to teach the students about the American flag. She was the one who made initial contact with the Legion post to get a few people in to help with the dedication ceremony, but also to talk to the students about flag etiquette and the proper procedure of caring for the nation's flag.

"We were concerned with the students learning the history and protocol of the flag," said Glines. "Just being aware of what a Veteran is important."

She said having the students learn what a Veteran is was important to her because my grandfather served in two wars.

"I'm thankful to the Veterans who came in as well as those who continue to serve America," Glines said.