Employees from the district's Transportation Department raise a flag in front of Shaker High School on Friday, May 22 to honor U.S. military veterans.

May 22, 2009 - Members of the North Colonie Transportation Department honored United States military veterans by raising an American flag that was flown in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The flag belongs to Jim Boudreau, the district's assistant transportation director, who received it at his uncle John Boudreau's funeral. John Boudreau was a World War II veteran who received the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained during the Allies' battles in Africa. Jim Boudreau was his uncle's closest surviving relative and therefore was presented with the flag at his uncle's funeral.

North Colonie bus mechanic Wesley Snyder is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, and when the United States embarked upon Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was deployed to northern Iraq for 13 months. While there, Sgt. Snyder was able to have Boudreau's flag flown at his base, and he then brought it home with an accompanying certificate. Because Sgt. Snyder is also a Shaker graduate, the transportation department decided to honor him and other veterans by flying the flag at Shaker High School.

The flag was raised to the top of the flag pole in front of Shaker High School, then lowered to half-staff, where it remained for the rest of the day in remembrance of two soldiers from Fort Drum who died on May 15 in Afghanistan.

"These tragic losses strengthen our appreciation of the service provided by Sgt. Snyder and all the men and women who are currently protecting our country," said John Myers, the district's transportation director. "We especially honor the service and sacrifice of those who have not returned."

Dana Hom, a Shaker High School freshman, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" while the flag was raised.