MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – Two elementary school students in Clay County were honored Thursday for their remarkable display of patriotism.
Coppergate Elementary School students, 11-year-olds Isaac Davis and Nate Helmuth, received national attention two weeks ago when they took down and folded up the school's American flag during a torrential downpour.
As safety patrol officers, it's their responsibility to raise and lower the flag every day, and they said not even bad weather would keep them from doing their job.
"Everybody should respect the flag at all times, and if it's your job to take on the flag, you do it rain or shine," Nate said.
The students and the school were recognized Thursday morning by the American Security Council Foundation, a nationwide nonprofit devoted to promoting peace through strength.
Both Isaac and Nate, as well as the school, received the "Good Citizenship Award."
"I think it's great and amazing that so many people are inspired, and I hope more people get inspired," Isaac said.
The students were also honored Friday by the mother of a fallen soldier.
Anna Valentine lost her 21-year-old son almost 10 years ago when he was killed fighting in Iraq.
Valentine keeps her son close to her heart, wearing a bracelet and gold star pin every day.
"Even though it's been almost 10 years, it still seems like yesterday, and then seeing these boys do this," Valentine said, crying. "They know what it is to honor our flag."
The boys will also be recognized by the governor later this month. They've been invited to Tallahassee to read the Pledge of Allegiance.