photo by: Shelley Hanson

Moundsville Honor Guard members conduct the flag folding ceremony with a casket-sized American flag while Central Elementary School students and others look on during the Veterans Day program on Thursday in Moundsville.

Central Elementary School students thanked veterans for their military service and honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States with a patriotic musical program Thursday outside the Marshall County Courthouse.

Members of the Moundsville Honor Guard also participated and gave the students a lesson on the American flag folding ceremony. Guard member Gary Jenkins, a U.S. Navy veteran, played “Taps” on the bugle.

Evan Williams, music and choir teacher at Central Elementary School, said it was important for students to learn about Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11 this year. Marshall County Schools do not hold classes on the holiday.

“It’s important for them to learn what Veterans Day is and appreciate and understand those who sacrificed for them and what they truly gave up so they could have the freedoms that they have,” Williams said.

Moundsville Honor Guard member Dave Schoenian reminded the students to respect the flag and when it becomes tattered to give it to a veterans’ organization for proper disposal.

“Do you know what our job has been?” Schoenian said. “Our job has been to defend this country from aggression both foreign and domestic. That means to keep the flag flying and not let it ever be captured by an enemy force. That flag has been flying for 250 years, right? … It’s an all-team effort to keep that flag flying. And some day it’s going to be your job; remember that.”

Songs sung by the students included “Grand Old Flag,” “Armed Forces Medley,” “American Tears” and “Fifty Nifty United States.”