BIDDEFORD — Fourth-grader Alythia Perry-Pantelas placed an American flag front of the grave of a World War II veteran in St. Joseph cemetery on Wednesday morning.

“Thank you for your service,” she said quietly.

Perry-Pantelas and other fourth graders from Biddeford Intermediate School scoured the cemetery for veterans’ graves to place flags on. The annual flag placing event was held in observance of Memorial Day, and organized by the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club in conjunction with veterans from American Legion Post 26 and Vietnam Veterans of America Post 1044.

Upon arrival at the cemetery, the students gathered to listen to local Vietnam veteran Raoul Goulet. Goulet told the students about his service as a combat photographer. He also told them about the day, which happened prior to his service, that he found out his neighbor died in the Vietnam War.

“I was looking out the window of my house. I saw the car come up the road and pull in the driveway. Right away, I knew what had happened,” he said.

Biddeford Intermediate School teacher Lori Flynn said that prior to the trip to the cemetery, the students learned about respecting veterans and the proper way to hold a flag.

Flynn has several family members who are in the military, and she said it’s important for students to learn the meaning behind Memorial Day.

“It’s not just parades and barbeques. It’s about showing respect for our fallen heroes,” said Flynn.

Perry-Pantelas said her late father had participated in the flag raising event when he was a student at Biddeford Primary School, and her stepfather had as well. She said it was a very meaningful activity and it was important to honor those who put their lives on the line for their country.

“We are honored to have our school do this every year,” she said.

The flags -1450 of them- were provided by the City of Biddeford, said Biddeford-Saco Rotarian and City Councilor Martin Grohman.

Later that day, the students were treated to ice cream by American Legion Post 26.

“As veterans, we honor those who came before us, and it is great to work with the next generation to do it,” said Mike Gibney, commander of American Legion Post 26, Biddeford.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.