By Carol Wyatt
Members of Vernon High School’s JROTC program continued a Memorial Day tradition with the placing of 79 American flags on the graves of local veterans.
Instructor Major William Chomos led students on the service project Friday at the Vernon Cemetery. Chomos says the students consider the annual event an honor.
“They take it very seriously,” he said. “After each flag is placed, the student pauses and takes time to salute the grave. And that’s the biggest thing for me. We all stay so busy, but it’s important that we take that time to pause and remember those who served our nation, to take a moment and celebrate something bigger than yourself.”
The flags were donated by the Vernon Garden Club and Chipley AMVETs Post 007. Flags which are no longer serviceable are removed from the graves and given a proper retirement.
COLLIN BREAUX 
Special to the News