Generating boos and red faces, a speaker from an American Legion post lashed out at parents for how they were dressed yesterday during a fifth-grade graduation ceremony at PS 8 in Great Kills.
After presenting two students with awards for patriotism and citizenship, Harry Krone of the Watkins-Kellett Post said, "This is a special day for your children. This isn't a bowling alley or a supermarket.
Krone, a past county commander with the American Legion, was unable to finish his address because of the audience response.
His unsolicited critique came only minutes after Borough President James Molinaro had congratulated the 10- and 11-year-old graduates.
More than 200 family members packed the crowded indoor assembly -- facing still air and warm temperatures -- to honor the 106 graduates of the elementary school.
According to parents, a letter from the school had been sent home with students prior to the ceremony, advising attendees to dress "appropriately." However, school officials would not confirm if such a letter had been issued.
The outfits worn by the audience on the first full day of summer ranged from suits and dresses to shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops.
"Maybe if there was some air conditioning in here some people might dress more appropriately," said Janet Rosario of Clifton, who had to stand for the entire two-hour ceremony.
"Why should we be dressed in ball gowns?" asked Rosemarie Cillo, who came from Brooklyn to see her granddaughter graduate. Mrs. Cillo said she resented Krone's assailing them as if they were dressed like "bums."
http://silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1087912058172350.xml
After presenting two students with awards for patriotism and citizenship, Harry Krone of the Watkins-Kellett Post said, "This is a special day for your children. This isn't a bowling alley or a supermarket.
Krone, a past county commander with the American Legion, was unable to finish his address because of the audience response.
His unsolicited critique came only minutes after Borough President James Molinaro had congratulated the 10- and 11-year-old graduates.
More than 200 family members packed the crowded indoor assembly -- facing still air and warm temperatures -- to honor the 106 graduates of the elementary school.
According to parents, a letter from the school had been sent home with students prior to the ceremony, advising attendees to dress "appropriately." However, school officials would not confirm if such a letter had been issued.
The outfits worn by the audience on the first full day of summer ranged from suits and dresses to shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops.
"Maybe if there was some air conditioning in here some people might dress more appropriately," said Janet Rosario of Clifton, who had to stand for the entire two-hour ceremony.
"Why should we be dressed in ball gowns?" asked Rosemarie Cillo, who came from Brooklyn to see her granddaughter graduate. Mrs. Cillo said she resented Krone's assailing them as if they were dressed like "bums."
http://silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1087912058172350.xml