The Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley is hosting its first Flags for Heroes Ceremony on Saturday, June 20 beginning at 11 a.m., an event that will become an annual one celebrating the American heroes in our lives, past and present.

As part of this inaugural event, each of the Minisink Valley school student leadership clubs has chosen a hero to recognize. Students will read what they wrote about these five heroes at the ceremony.

The park will be filled with flags sponsored by community members, families and friends paying tribute to their own personal heroes.

Being honored are:

• Security Officer Keith Quackenbush, by the High School Key Club
• Superintendent Brian Monahan, by the High School Key Club
• Security Officer Phyllis Zabriskie, by the Middle School Builders Club
• Security Officer Christopher Clayton, by the Otisville K-Kids Club
• Security Officer Kevin Murphy, by the Intermediate School K-Kids Club

“We grow up believing heroes are born with superpowers and flashy costumes," Andrea Yager Kiwanis advisor. "But if you look closely at the world, the real heroes are much closer to home. These heroes will be recognized among hundreds of heroes at the Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley’s inaugural Flags for Heroes Ceremony. You don’t have to save the entire world to be a hero; you just have to care enough to improve the small corner of the world you are in. We all have the power to change someone's life. Thanks to all these heroes who have impacted many of our students' lives.”

Anyone interested in honoring a hero is invited to reach out to Mrs. Yager for details by emailing to: mvflagsforheroes@gmail.com