Lehighton Area Elementary Center held its first Memorial Day program Friday.

Fifth grade teacher and local historian Ron Rabenold told students the holiday is a “day to remember.”

“We have to remember those man and women who took action for us and made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “Take time to remember today. Take time to remember Monday at 3 p.m.”

Rabenold told stories of men like Col. Robert Kipp, who was best friends with his father. Kipp was killed in action in Korea in September 1950. He also spoke of Sgt. Paul Faircloth, who fought in combat side-by-side with Lehighton native Clarence Smoyer. Faircloth, a tank commander, jumped out of the tank he was in and ran to the aid of others when there were two mortar explosions beside him, blowing off his foot and ankle, throwing him up onto the bank, killing him instantly.

“These men did courageous things to help others, regardless of what might happen to themselves,” Rabenold said.

In a call to action to the students, Rabenold urged them to take the time to visit the War at Home Monument in Lehighton or place a flower on the grave of a deceased veteran in an effort to remember those who fought for our freedoms.

“There are lots of things you can do to ensure that we never forget the sacrifices made for us,” he said.

On Friday, the fifth grade instrumental band performed “March Supreme” by John O’Reilly, followed by the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” All students joined in to sing “America,” “You’re A Grand Old Flag,” “This Is My Country,” “This Land is Your Land,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America.”

Student Alex Reid read the “Meaning of Memorial Day,” Bella Moyer read “Freedom Is Not Free,” and Tanner Kintz read “The True Origin of Taps.”

Lehighton’s fourth graders sang a selection of military songs, followed by a presentation of wreaths.

The high school ensemble closed the program with “Taps.”