CLARKS SUMMIT — For the fifth consecutive year, students at Clarks Summit Elementary learned about the veterans who have served the country before they began their regular class schedule.

Students from kindergarten through fourth grade gathered in the gymnasium Tuesday morning for a Veterans Day assembly led by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7069 Commander Steuart Bailey.

Bailey led the students through the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and the Pledge of Allegiance.

“It’s an honor to do this here,” Bailey said. “This is one of the few schools in the area that has this type of program. It was very emotional seeing the students hold up pictures of their grandfathers, uncles or other family members who have served this country.”

Bailey’s daughter, Jackie, started the assembly at the school so the students would be reminded of the service those who came before them gave to the United States of America.

“It’s important that the kids understand history and the importance of Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Jackie Bailey said. “A lot of times we shy away from the importance of American history.”

Honor Guard members VFW Post 7069 Junior Vice Commander John Yevonishon and Senior Vice Commander Donald Jones also demonstrated the proper way to fold an American flag that was used during ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery for deceased veterans.

“The kids were very attentive during the flag folding,” Steuart Bailey said. “I thought it would be more educational for the teachers, but hopefully the students learned something from it.”

From left, VFW Senior Vice Commander Donald Jones and Junior Vice Commander John Yevonishon demonstrate the proper technique to fold an American flag.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-CS-Elem-Vets-Day-1.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, VFW Senior Vice Commander Donald Jones and Junior Vice Commander John Yevonishon demonstrate the proper technique to fold an American flag. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

VFW Post 7069 Commander Steuart Bailey speaks to students during a Veterans Day assembly at Clarks Summit Elementary School on Tuesday.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-CS-Elem-Vets-Day-2.jpg.optimal.jpgVFW Post 7069 Commander Steuart Bailey speaks to students during a Veterans Day assembly at Clarks Summit Elementary School on Tuesday. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

VFW Post 7069 Commander Steuart Bailey presents a plaque to his daughter, Jackie, a second grade teacher at Clarks Summit Elementary, for her initiative to start a Veterans Day program at the school.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-CS-Elem-Vets-Day-3.jpg.optimal.jpgVFW Post 7069 Commander Steuart Bailey presents a plaque to his daughter, Jackie, a second grade teacher at Clarks Summit Elementary, for her initiative to start a Veterans Day program at the school. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

VFW 7069 Post Commander Steuart Bailey addresses students during a Veterans Day assembly at Clarks Summit Elementary on Tuesday as Honor Guard members Junior Vice Commander John Yevonishon (left) and Senior Vice Commander Donald Jones look on.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-CS-Elem-Vets-Day-4.jpg.optimal.jpgVFW 7069 Post Commander Steuart Bailey addresses students during a Veterans Day assembly at Clarks Summit Elementary on Tuesday as Honor Guard members Junior Vice Commander John Yevonishon (left) and Senior Vice Commander Donald Jones look on. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Kindergarten through fourth grade students at Clarks Summit Elementary hold up flags and pictures of loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the military during a Veterans Day assembly on Tuesday.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-CS-Elem-Vets-Day-5.jpg.optimal.jpgKindergarten through fourth grade students at Clarks Summit Elementary hold up flags and pictures of loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the military during a Veterans Day assembly on Tuesday. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.