On the steps of the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., presented a United States flag flown over the Capitol to students from Marietta High School in Marietta, Ga., who have dedicated their annual visit to Washington to the memory of their classmate Vaughn Fletcher, who passed away earlier this school year. The flag will be presented to Fletcher’s family upon their return from the trip. U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga.-11, joined Isakson in welcoming the students.

Before he passed away at 15 years old from cardiac complications in December 2018, Fletcher had planned to visit Washington, D.C., this week with his ninth grade classmates in Marietta High School’s International Baccalaureate program as part of the program’s 12th annual trip.

“It was my honor to pay tribute to Vaughn Fletcher along with his classmates,” said Isakson. “The plans Vaughn’s classmates, teachers and the administrators at his school have made for this trip to honor his memory are so moving. I feel sure that their loyalty means a great deal to his family, and I’m thankful to play a small part in their efforts to remember a special friend.”

In addition to being a student in Marietta High School’s International Baccalaureate program, Fletcher was a senior patrol leader of local Boy Scout Troop 144. Fletcher’s classmates, teachers and school administrators also plan to honor his life by laying a wreath at the Boy Scout Commemorative Tribute Memorial during their visit.