E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School Holds 4th Annual Early Act Memorial Day Event Honoring America’s Military Fallen

The Annual E. Wilson Morrison Early Act Club Memorial Day Ceremony took place on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 outside on the front lawn of the elementary school in mid-town Front Royal, beginning at 2:50 p.m. An added bonus this year was a cookout afterwards for the students and visitors, thanks to The Rotary Club of Warren County and So Mote It Beef Barbecue.

Cookout treats included Hotdogs and Hamburgers for all present — once the Early Act Club students had received theirs, school Early Act Coordinator Michael Williams made clear.

A post-event perspective with planted flags dotting the front entranceway to the school. Below, make sure the Early Act kids get their share of the post-event I Mote It Beef BBQ entrees. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Of the now annual E. Wilson Morrison Memorial Day rememberance Williams told us, “We’ve been doing this the last four years. We honor Americans who died in combat for our country.  We plant flags on the front lawn of the school in honor of our heroes.”

In addition to the Early Act Club, involved student and school groups included 5th grade students Demya Craig, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Asenat Sarwari, who read “Freedom Isn’t Free”, and the E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School Bobcat Chorus under the direction of Mr. Thomas Hassett. ‘Freedom isn’t Free’ is the story of a foreign national family who aided the American effort in Afghanistan who were provided legal asylum in the U.S. when targeted for execution by the Taliban at that war’s end.

The EWM Bobcat Chorus provided musical interludes, including the National Anthem, under the direction of Thomas Hassett. First below, 5th grader Demya Craig led the Pledge of Allegiance to open things. Then fellow 5th grader Asenat Sarwari read ‘Freedom isn’t Free’ being presented to her by Early Act Coordinator and event Moderator Michael Williams. Bobcat Chorus members and Chorus Director Thomas Hassett in background were among the interested listeners.

Invited local public figures present included Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell, South River District County Supervisor Cheryl Cullers, and State Delegate Delores Oates. In opening acknowledgments Williams also recognized Able Forces Foundation Veteran Services principals Skip and Kathy Rogers, whom he noted again provided the small American flags for “planting” in the school’s front yard, and local businessman and downtown re-development activist Rob MacDougal.

It might be noted that MacDougall and Skip Rogers have taken over sponsorship and coordination of other community Memorial Day and Memorial Day weekend events in the wake of the retirement of former coordinator Malcolm Barr Sr. Those events include the Memorial Day Courthouse grounds event (Monday, May 26) and the Dogs of War event now held on the grounds of the Humane Society of Warren County”s Julia Wagner Animal Shelter (Saturday, May 24).

Among the crowd, from far left under the tree, were Able Forces principals Skip and Kathy Rogers, State Delegate Delores Oates, Rob MacDougall also back a tad under the tree, County Supervisor Cheryl Cullers, and Town Mayor Lori Cockrell, dark glasses.

But back to May 8th off Crescent Street in mid-downtown Front Royal, thanks again to E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School, its students, Early Act Club, the Bobcat Chorus, and others involved for kicking off our local Memorial Day remembrances. Well done once again.

Flags planted, the memorial party begins breaking up toward the promised post-service cookout. Before eating Bobcat Chorus members posed for some photos at the school entrance.

Watch the Royal Examiner video for a live record of the E. Wilson Morrison Memorial Day remembrance of America’s fallen soldiers—video by Connor Clark, Royal Examiner.