MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Students and neighbors of Port Royal Elementary School gathered outside the schoolyard to hear the sounds of the Parris Island Marine Band and watch as the American flag was raised Tuesday morning.
"We feel close to the island," said Kay Keeler, principal, Port Royal Elementary School. "A lot of the students' parents or siblings are in the military."
Keeler invited the Depot band to perform for the students after watching a morning colors ceremony aboard the Depot.
"I wanted the children to experience the same thing I did, but I wanted all the children to be able to enjoy it, not just a couple bus loads," said Keeler.
The performance was also used as a visual aid for the children. They study past wars, the flag and its meaning, she added.
After the morning colors ceremony was complete, the students recited the Pledge of Allegiance and received a brief history lesson on the American flag from the mayor of Port Royal.
"I gave them a little bit of information, but want them to do more research on it," said Samuel Murray, Port Royal mayor. "I'm always willing to talk to and help children learn because they are our future leaders."
It was exciting to watch the children experience something new for the first time, he said.
"I even saw one student standing on the fence, so he could see better," Murray added.
The children echoed Murray's appreciation for being able to witness such an event.
"It was nice to see the flag raised because not everyone gets to see it," said Kelsey
Kelnhofer, a Port Royal Elementary School student and daughter of Joanna Kelnhofer and Eric Morris.
Along with the students, band members also enjoyed morning colors.
"It's fun playing for people, and there is always someone who hasn't seen the band," said
Sgt. Keith Algeo, saxophonist, Parris Island Marine Band.
After the ceremony, Alex Copeland, a Port Royal Elementary School student, and son of Vicki and Chris Copeland, was left feeling patriotic and excited.
"It was fun, and the music was awesome. They should do this more often," concluded Copeland.