While other Memorial Day events were canceled because of inclement weather, the Borough of Elverson was able to complete its commemorative service before the rain started on May 27. The first raindrops fell at the conclusion of the ceremony as taps was played.

Welcoming attendees to the annual event, which was held in the cemetery located across from Elverson United Methodist Church, was Mayor Esther Prosser. "We are here to remember those who have served this country and, in some cases, giving their lives to defend the freedom for the United States of America," she stated.

Courtney Stoltzfus led the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." She also performed other patriotic songs, including "God Bless America" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee," encouraging all in attendance to sing along.

The Rev. Scott Stevenson offered the opening prayer and a gun salute, and taps was provided by the color guard from Col. Jacob Morgan American Legion Post 537, Morgantown.

Members of Elverson Boy Scout Troop 37 and Troop 543 from Plowville led a flag-folding ceremony. Alyssa McCaffrey, a member of Troop 543G, 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," she stated.

For example, the first fold of the flag is the symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of people's belief in the eternal life and the 12th fold, for Christians, represents eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

The Scouts then raised the flag on the pole located near the cemetery entrance to half-staff.

Ron Harner, a United States Marine veteran and commander of American Legion Post 537, offered remarks, telling the story of several military members killed in the line of duty. "Each story is unique, and each story represents heartbreak to family and friends left (behind)," he stated, mentioning Lt. Col. Annie Ruth Graham, who served in the United States Army nurse corps. "She is one of eight women whose name is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C."

Harner also provided a brief history of Memorial Day, once known as Decoration Day. The national holiday is meant to remember all those who have died in service to the United States. "As proud Americans, we should all remember that our freedom is not free. It is only possible because heroes, some from our own families or neighborhoods, have paid a high price," he said. "It's that price which enables us to have ceremonies and remembrances like this in towns across this great country."