Chatham Kindergarten Student Honored by Illinois National Guard

Story by Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

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Lt. Col. Rodney Thacker of Chatham, presents a plaque of appreciation and a uniformed teddy bear to Kacy Norris, 5, of Springfield on behalf of the Illinois National Guard Sept. 20.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Kacy Norris, 5, of Springfield was presented a plaque of appreciation and a uniformed teddy bear by the Illinois National Guard Sept. 20 at Ball-Chatham Elementary School in Chatham for her act of patriotism when she honored the American flag one morning in early September.

Kacy was a few minutes late to class as principal Joseph Viola began the morning announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance over the public address system. As Viola began to recite the pledge, Kacy abruptly stopped in the hallway and stood facing the only flag she could find.

It was at this time Brittany Foster of Springfield, a special needs aide at Ball Elementary, saw Kacy frantically looking around right as Viola began the pledge. Foster watched as Kacy turned toward the only American flag in the hallway, which was in a display case. As Kacy stood facing the flag, surrounded by the busts of some of America's most influential leaders, Foster took a photograph.

"I watched her just stand there and put her hand over her heart," said Foster. "I was a mommy that day and thought that'd make a great photo and I could send it to her mommy."

The photo quickly found its way to the school district's website where the photo received the attention of the page's followers who expressed their appreciation for Kacy's patriotism.

While Kacy said she was only doing what she thought was right, others said they saw it as a sign of patriotism in the youngest of hearts, said Lt. Col. Rodney Thacker of Chatham, with the Illinois National Guard's deputy operations officer.

"The American flag is important to every Soldier who serves and we wear it proudly every day we put on our uniform," said Thacker who presented Kacy the award and teddy bear. "When Kacy showed proper respect to the flag, she honored America and its veterans and we wanted to show our appreciation by presenting her with these patriotic gifts."

Faculty at her school were also proud of her actions when she stood alone in the hallway, said Viola. The school starts everyday with the pledge and a moment of reflection following the morning announcements.

"It's really to start that day with patriotism, with saluting the flag and being proud to be an American," said Viola. "It fits in well with what we do with being respectful, responsible and safe in the building."

Her parents, Ernest and Bridget Norris, said Kacy has several family members and family friends who have served in the U.S. military as well as firefighters and police officers in the Chatham and Springfield areas. Through this exposure, her parents said Kacy has learned how to show respect to the flag and to those who serve the nation and community.

"I'm really proud of her, especially since she stopped and did it without anybody telling her," said Ernest Norris.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Lt. Col. Rodney Thacker of Chatham, the Illinois Army National Guard's deputy operations officer presents a plaque of appreciation and a uniformed teddy bear to Kacy Norris, 5, of Springfield on behalf of the Illinois National Guard Sept. 20 at Ball-Chatham Elementary School in Chatham for her act of patriotism when she honored the American flag one morning in early September.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Lt. Col. Rodney Thacker of Chatham, the Illinois Army National Guard's deputy operations officer presents a plaque of appreciation and a uniformed teddy bear to Kacy Norris, 5, of Springfield on behalf of the Illinois National Guard Sept. 20 at Ball-Chatham Elementary School in Chatham for her act of patriotism when she honored the American flag one morning in early September.

Photo by Brittany Foster, Ball-Chatham Elementary School / Kacy Norris, 5, of Springfield, running late to class turns toward the only American flag in the hallway as the Pledge of Allegiance was being recited following the morning announcements. As Kacy stood, Brittany Foster of Springfield took a picture.