On April 6, 1917, the date the United States entered World War I.

To honor the memory of those who fought bravely for this country a century ago, members of the Panther Valley JROTC, Coaldale veterans and members of the community gathered Thursday morning at the Coaldale Complex despite the rain and wind for a brief flag raising ceremony.William Gaddes, an organizer for the event, said that the raising of a garrison American flag represented all those from the Panther Valley area who served during World War I.On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I.To honor the memory of those who fought bravely for this country a century ago, members of the Panther Valley JROTC, Coaldale veterans and members of the community gathered Thursday morning at the Coaldale Complex despite the rain and wind for a brief flag raising ceremony.William Gaddes, an organizer for the event, said that the raising of a garrison American flag represented all those from the Panther Valley area who served during World War I.He said that the Panther Valley area responded to the war with enthusiasm, sending both men and women as soldiers and nurses to war, and exceeding the national average of those who served per capita by a factor of two.Gaddes added that the raising of the garrison flag is held annually in April in Coaldale, but having it happen on the 100th anniversary of America’s entrance into World War I made it even more special.