Farewell, Uncle Sam
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A farewell ceremony for Uncle Sam was held Monday by the students in Janet Ayers’ and Cathy Strukel’s second-grade classes at Chase County Elementary School in Cottonwood Falls. Uncle Sam is an 8-foot tall jointed wooden replica of the beloved national symbol, and he was designed and assembled in Cottonwood Falls at the home of Hubie and Karen Crichton.
For many years, Uncle Sam was a resident in Janet Ayer’s classroom. With her retirement, he is being given over to the care of the Chase County Republican Women.
Monday afternoon, veterans James Redick, Carvel Oldham, Marvin Adcock and Rodger Drake escorted Uncle Sam from Ayers’ classroom, where he had stood since 1993, and down the steps of the 105-year-old limestone schoolhouse, while patriotic music played in the background.
The student body lined the route while second-graders waved American flags and held signs reading “Thank You Veterans” and “America is No. 1.” A group representing Chase County Republican Women met Uncle Sam and the veterans on Maple Street, and after a salute from the veterans, reclaimed their beloved statue.
Uncle Sam may still be seen on the Republican Women’s float in the Flint Hills Rodeo Parade each year.