The annual Memorial Day service was held in Elverson on May 29 to pay tribute to the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.

Held in the cemetery located across from Elverson United Methodist Church, the event included patriotic music, remarks from area veterans and a flag-folding ceremony. A gun salute and taps were provided by the color guard from Col. Jacob Morgan American Legion Post 537, Morgantown.

The master of ceremonies for the event was Elverson Mayor Esther Prosser, who welcomed those in attendance. "Why are we here?" asked Prosser. "To honor those who have given their lives to defend the freedom of the United States of America."

Carol Ruffner led the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." She also performed an original composition, "God Blessed America."

The Rev. Scott Stevenson offered the opening prayer and led the group in the reciting of "The Lord's Prayer."

A wreath-laying ceremony to honor fallen soldiers was held, and the wreath was placed by John Mohl, a Korean War veteran, and Brian Shepker, senior vice commander, American Legion Post 537.

Mohl also offered remarks about Memorial Day, citing several passages from Scripture. "(We honor) those who paid the extreme sacrifice for our freedom that we enjoy today," he stated. "There is another who paid the supreme sacrifice - our God, who sacrificed the Lord Jesus."

Ron Harner, commander of American Legion Post 537, also offered remarks, recognizing various heroes in military history. He noted that that those who lost their lives were from many different backgrounds, ethnicities and locations. "The one common characteristic was that they all took the oath to fight for America," he said. "Let us take time to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives for this great country. Let us reflect on their courage, their sacrifice and their dedication to a cause greater than themselves. We will continue to mourn their loss, but most of all, we celebrate their lives."

Members of Elverson Boy Scout Troop 37 led the flag-folding ceremony. Scoutmaster Tom Yost read the meaning of each of the 13 folds of the flag. "The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded," he stated. For example, the first fold is the symbol of life, and the second fold is the symbol of eternal life. The seventh fold is a tribute to the armed forces. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, and the 10th fold is a tribute to fathers.

"The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, 'In God We Trust,'" Yost stated.

The Scouts then raised the flag on the pole located near the cemetery entrance. The ceremony concluded with the singing of "America the Beautiful" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee" led by Ruffner.