It was a packed house on Friday, April 27, when people of all ages and all walks of life came together to promote awareness of the dangers of child abuse with the Annual Children’s Memorial Flag Ceremony at the Logan County Courthouse at 11:30 a.m.
Ellen Browning of WE CAN (Working to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect) explained that the ceremony had been a part of Logan County for several years and its purpose was to raise public awareness during National Child Abuse Awareness Month.
Rev. Mike Johnson opened the ceremony with prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by young people Kiara Eldridge, Steven Eldridge, Emily Scarberry, Ginger Mounts, Breanna Mounts and Brittany Marcum.
This was followed by the National Anthem performed by Alera Messer. Nicole Staten and Hali Nelms then unfurled the Child Abuse Awareness Flag and explained its iconography and origins. The flag has a red field and shows blue figures holding hands with one white outlined figurer in the center to represent a child who has lost their life due to child abuse. The flag itself was designed by a young person.
Jennifer Young read a Proclamation from West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, asking all citizens to be aware of the great losses and tragedies our communities face due to Child Abuse and to promote awareness of this critical issue during the month of April and throughout the year.
Browning then presented awards to several outstanding local social workers for their dedication to children and hard work on their behalf. Following the presentation, a special dinner was held at Bob Noone’s upper room apartment on Main Street courtesy of the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.
Browning noted that two more individuals will be honored soon when the WE CAN Vaudeville Review returns to Logan on May 8 at the Coalfield Jamboree in Logan. Ticket price is $5.
Post a Comment
