Veterans look on while Sgt. Major Vince Brown and Corporal William Ross fold the United States flag and Beth Swanger reads the meaning of each of the 13 traditional folds. Reverence and appreciation were in abundance on Tuesday, Nov. 11, as veterans were honored during a ceremony at Magnolia's of Gaffney.

"We appreciate the assistance from National Guard members, the staff of Magnolia's and Rita Harmon for making our program a success," said Beth Swanger, historic programs chairman of Moses Wood Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, sponsors of the program.

As Harmon played "Salute to the Armed Forces," each veteran attending and his branch of service was recognized. Veterans honored were Douglas Guthrie, Army; Jesse Bagwell, Army Infantry; Kenneth Honeycutt, Navy; L.T. Hartzog, Air Force; Glenn Oliver, Air Force; Leo Welchel, Air Force; Wesley Lawrence, Air Force; Leonard Price, Navy; Leland Yetter, Army; Clarence Block, Army Infantry; Alfred Martin, Army; Jessie Childers, Army; Raymond Gowen, Navy; Clarence Huffstetler, Navy; William ("Bill") Hartzog, Air Force; John Stuard, Army; and John S. George Jr., Army.

As Swanger read the meaning of each of the 13 traditional folds of the flag, Sgt. Major Vince Brown and Corporal William Ross demonstrated the procedure. The flag was presented to Magnolia's of Gaffney in honor of the veterans.

"Just to be in your presence, I am honored. Thank you for what you have done," said Sgt. Major Brown as he saluted the veterans.

Corporal Ross, having recently served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, saluted the veterans and said, "I am proud to be with you today; you have paved the way for us and we are grateful."

"We should not wait for a special date on the calendar to say thank you to our veterans but thank them each day for their service," said Miriam Ivey, president of the Moses Wood Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. "I feel privileged to have been a part of this ceremony."