Green Hills Elementary School students received a national award during Wednesday’s school program.

GHES students were presented with the Youth Activities Award from Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary. The award recognizes them for their patriotism and support of veterans.

Deb Burke, with Mountain Trail VFW 5171 of Cumberland, presented the award. Burke is the Auxiliary 5171 president and District 14 patriotic instructor.

Burke explained that the VFW observes different groups, comparing their knowledge of veterans and veteran-related events/holidays. Burke added GHES students displayed a great amount of knowledge and patriotism, mentioning their flag delicacy and ability for younger students to recite the pledge by heart.

“These kids have all demonstrated great love and support for their veterans,” Burke said.

Burke read a letter to the students sent from VFW National Headquarters President Sandi Kriebel.

The letter reads, “On behalf of the nearly half million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary, I want to thank you for your efforts to support our veterans and their families.”

Kriebel added how important it is for veterans to know America hasn’t forgotten them or their families. Kriebel asks for students to remember their sacrifices and to help fellow Americans understand the cost of freedom.

Burke also spoke with students about potential scholarships the VFW provides.

The Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship, for example, is available for grades 9-12. Students able to make it to national level, placing first, could receive an amount of $30,000 in scholarship funds. The Patriot’s Pen Essay Scholarship is available for grades 6-8 and students able to make it to national level, placing first, could receive an amount of up to $5,000 in scholarship money.

Burke says the VFW is looking for new members as well.

In order to be eligible for VFW Auxiliary Membership, a person must be a citizen of the United States or a United States National and at least 16.

Those eligible are husband/wife, widower/widow, father/mother, grandfathers/grandmothers, sons/daughters, grandsons/granddaughters or brothers/sisters of a person who were or are eligible for membership in the VFW.

Those eligible for membership in the VFW are those who have received a campaign medal for overseas service, have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea or someone that has ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay.

Step- and adopted parents, children, siblings/half-siblings, grandparents and grandchildren are considered the same as biological parents, children, siblings/half-siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, and they may join the VFW under their VFW-eligible veteran.

Proof of service is required for eligibility and must be obtained by the applicant.

For more information on the VFW or how to become a member, call Burke at 606-664-2243 or 606-273-1652.