At 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2013, American Legion Post 328-Morrison, IL, participated in the Junior High Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony at Morrison Junior High, 300 Academic Drive, Morrison. The men held a Flag Folding demonstration as part of the event. Family members were invited to attend this tribute prior the Vererans Day, Monday, November 11.
Principal Daryl Hogue had surveyed the students and determined each should be able to know of a veteran. He urged them to “thank a veteran.”
Presenters were past and current military staff, representing different eras and branches of service.
- Fred Steele–World War II
- Dale Usterbowski–Korean War
- Petty Officer Jerry Brearton–recently retired after 26 years in the U. S. Navy
- Petty Officer Dennis VanZuiden–in active duty as a SEABEE; returns to Afghanistan in January 2014.
Included in the program was information about the flag of the United States of America. Mark Ernst, shown above at the podium, explained the significance of the 13 folds made to “funeral flags” which are draped over the coffin of deceased military personnel. This ritual takes place before the flag is reverently presented to family members. Crisp, precise folding technique, resulting in a compact triangle, was demonstrated by Petty Officer Dennis VanZuiden, left, and Chief Petty Officer Dale Bearton, right.
Steele taught the children proper decorum for showing respect to the flag wherever it is presented. The youth were challenged to always show their respect at a flag presentation and to encourage those around them to do the same.