Guest blog post by Florida Unit 99 Vice President Amanda Cunningham-Rud
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 99 of Florida donated brand-new American flags for every classroom at Brooksville Elementary School. The presentation was made by:
- Linda Swald, Unit 99 president
- Amanda Cunningham-Rud, Unit 99 vice president and Brooksville Elementary School second-grade teacher
- Jane Mulford, Unit 99 chaplain
- Gretchen Hicks, Unit 99 member
- John Swald, Post 99 officer
Accepting the flags on behalf of Brooksville Elementary School:
- Principal Richard Inmon
- Vice Principal Wilson Sommer
Florida law (F.S. 1000.06) requires all public K-20 schools to display an American-made 3×5 (or larger) U.S.flag daily in every classroom, and to pursue fundraising options before purchasing the flags.
As a teacher at BES, I noticed our classroom flags were well-loved and ready to be refreshed. I brought theidea to our unit, and members immediately said yes. We began fundraising right away and were humbled by the outpouring of support from our community.
Unit 99 initially hoped to raise enough funds to purchase about 10 flags. Instead, the generosity of the community made it possible to buy 48 American-made, stain-, and fade-resistant flags — enough for every classroom — benefiting approximately 680 students.
“We are truly honored to support so many local children,” said Unit President Swald. “Each morning, studentscan now recite the Pledge of Allegiance to bright, beautiful, American-made flags — promoting pride, patriotism, and good citizenship. These values are at the heart of the American Legion Auxiliary.”
Principal Inmon expressed his gratitude.
“We are deeply thankful for this donation,” he said. “Strong community partnerships are a cornerstone ofBrooksville Elementary, and this is a wonderful example of that spirit.”
