Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published May 15, 2026 1:18 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) On a sunny and warm Friday morning in May, third graders from New Brighton Elementary School took time away from the classroom to honor our local veterans who have passed away.

Students walked from the school to two local cemeteries, St. Joseph and Grove, with flags to place on the graves of our veterans.

Beaver County Radio witnessed the students walking through rows of memorial stones, identifying veterans and taking time to give them a flag. The students appeared to be excited and appreciative while placing the flags.

To some, the event meant more than just honoring our fallen soldiers, it also honored a beloved teacher, coach, and community member, Donald Mittner, who passed away in March.

Donald Mittner was on the New Brighton Memorial Day Association and is the one who started the flag tradition with students.

His sister, Diane Mittner-D’Addio, who is also a New Brighton Elementary teacher, says she wanted to keep the tradition going. When Mittner’s spot in the association was open following his passing, she stepped up and into the role.

“I decided to fill his spot, not only for him, but for my father who was big and involved with the Memorial Day association for New Brighton, so today is an extra special day because we’re not only doing this for Mr. Mittner, we’re doing this for the veterans”.

Mittner-D’Addio went on to say this event also helps demonstrate community service and respect to the children.

She says they talk about the importance of Memorial Day immensely with the students and “the respect it shows our community and the veterans.”

“They’re really taking their time with it this year. They’re really thinking about it and processing everything as they walk by the grave sites.”

The students involved are also being encouraged to walk in the New Brighton Memorial Day parade this year.

Among others who helped in the effort were New Brighton Elementary School Educators Laura Schooley and Aimee Mayer, New Brighton football players, and John Proano of the New Brighton Memorial Day Association.

As the morning was wrapping up, the students along with everyone involved gathered at Grove Cemetary and gave a big “1 ‘clock yell”. An iconic pep chant Mittner would do with students on Fridays before football games.

However, this time it was for honoring our fallen veterans and honoring Mittner, who helped give the students a way to show their appreciation on Memorial Day.

“E-I-E-I-E-I-O, COME ON LIONS LET’S GO!” was surely heard echoing through the neighborhood.