Gibbons School Honors Military Dad at Flag Day Festivities

On a day when students celebrated and paid tribute to the American Flag through a number of patriotic songs, the youngsters at the school also honored Gary Reagan, a Gibbons School parent who is serving in the United States military.

Reagan, who serves in the 101st Artillery Regiment of the Army National Guard, was on hand to watch his daughter, first-grader Shaylin, at the Gibbons School annual Flag Day festivities on Monday.

Reagan’s regiment is stationed out of Brockton and returned to the States in December 2010 after an 11-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. His regiment could be going back there in 2013.

The fifth grade students dedicated their musical medley saluting the Armed Forces to Reagan and the other “men and women who have fought and who are still fighting to protect and keep our freedom.”

In a special presentation, third grader Gianna Hardy read a letter she had written to Reagan thanking him for his service to this country.

“I wish I could pay you back for risking your life and fighting for our freedom,” she said.

Reagan, dressed in his military uniform, was greeted with a loud ovation.

His daughter, Shaylin, who was dressed in red, white and blue, with red, white and blue streamers in her hair, sat beside her father for much of the festivities.  She was wearing a shirt that said, “Daddy is my hero and I’m his little princess.”

Reagan was touched by the school’s gesture in honoring his service.

“It’s emotional…I got choked up,” he said after the festivities had concluded.

“This is why we do what we do.”