Azusa, CA – Proudly holding up tiny American flags amid boisterous chants of “U.S.A! U.S.A!,” Dalton Elementary School students celebrated the commitment and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces during a Veterans Day flag-folding ceremony on Nov. 9.

VIP guests of Dalton included Jesse Martinez (Ret., Air Force) and Anthony Hernandez (Ret., Army) from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8070 in Azusa, which helped coordinate the ceremony. Joining them were representatives of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, all of whom have sons, daughters or grandchildren attending Dalton.

“We are honored to pay tribute to the distinguished men and women who have put their lives on the line for our country so that we can live in a free, democratic society,” Dalton Principal Laura Clarke said.

Uriel Macias, who served in Afghanistan as a lieutenant for the U.S. Navy, addressed the students on the importance of honoring those who serve their country in the military.

“They put themselves through a lot to protect our freedoms,” Macias, an Azusa city council member, said. “If you ever see a veteran, please tell them ‘thank you for what you did for your country.’ They will appreciate it.”

Two Azusa High students, junior Destiny Reese and her brother, freshman Daniel Reese, sang the National Anthem. Dalton students came on stage to sing “America the Beautiful” and then personally thanked the veterans for their service and presented them with hand-colored cards and other gifts of appreciation.

To conclude the program, Martinez and Hernandez performed the flag-folding ceremony, while Macias recited to the students the purpose of each of the 13 folds, each fold representing a principle of American freedom.

At the end, the veterans were joined on stage by their sons, daughters and grandchildren, who gave them big hugs and smiles.

Photos:

DALTONVETSDAY1: Dalton Elementary School students celebrated the commitment and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces during a Veterans Day flag-folding ceremony on Nov. 9, which included participation from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 8070) and Azusa city officials.

DALTONVETSDAY2: Uriel Macias, who served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in Afghanistan, receives a hug from his daughter Cecilia, during a Veterans Day ceremony at Dalton Elementary School in Azusa on Nov. 9. Dalton students sang songs and shared gifts for the members of the United States Armed Forces who attended the ceremony.

DALTONVETSDAY3: Dalton Elementary School students hold up American flags to demonstrate their support and appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, during a Veterans Day flag-folding ceremony on Nov. 9.