Members of Post 44 began the morning with ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial Park, the World War I and II memorial at the Barbour County Courthouse and the Korean War Memorial Park.
Following the ceremonies, a parade made its way through downtown Philippi. Several organizations participated in the parade including the Philip Barbour High School, Kasson Middle School and Philippi Middle School marching bands, along with the local Boy Scouts, 4-H groups and members of the VFW and American Legion.
American Legion Post 44 Commander Frank Bolyard said he is thankful of the support shown by the community. He said he is also proud of the work the post has provided to the county.
“We had a fairly good turnout for our activities today,” Bolyard said. “Every town has the same kind of thing going on and we really appreciate what they do for the veterans. And I can’t say enough about how much the veterans have done for the county … It’s just a wonderful thing that we have going on at the American Legion.” Following the parade, an observation ceremony was conducted at the Philippi City Building. During the event, PBHS students who attended Boys and Girls State spoke briefly about their experience and retired Lt. Col. Robin Nestor served as guest speaker. Chaplain Lejeune Lewis gave invocation and the West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College provided musical selections.
During Nestor’s speech, he said it is important for veterans to be honored because of their sacrifice.
“There are many here who endured hardship in the name of freedom,” Nestor said. “You are all heroes to me. You are heroes to the United States of America … Today we honor you and millions of other American’s around the world, who have served in the name of their sacrifice.”
After his speech, Nestor spoke to The Inter-Mountain and said he said he was “sad” that more people did not show up at the events.
“I was glad to see the people that were here today,” Nestor said. “I was saddened that there were not more people here and I think that we just take our service men, our veterans, for granted. I think people just fail to really understand and comprehend the price that these veterans paid so people could go out on a Saturday and do their own thing and enjoy life and enjoy the freedoms that we have to do what we want to do.”
Nestor is a former Philip Barbour High School graduate and 28-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. During his career, Nestor served in a variety of operational, counter intelligence and educational assignments. Nestor’s decorations include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He and his wife, Bobbie, a former Marine, reside in Buckhannon.
In Elkins, Jeff Wood, chairman of the All Veterans Memorial Council, opened the ceremony. The Rev. Ronald Nestor, chaplain of VFW Post 3647, gave the invocation.
Randolph County Commissioner Mike Taylor served as keynote speaker and encouraged the crowd to always acknowledge veterans for their sacrifices, support the troops and have compassion for their families.
Commanders of local veterans organizations and their auxiliaries and Gold Star Mothers participated in placement of wreaths.
Also taking part in the ceremony were Richard Doyle, All Veterans Memorial Council; Tom Petrice, VFW Post 5583; Gary Phares, VFW Post 3647; Black Bear Pathfinders Club; High Adventist School Chorus; Elkins Mayor Judy Guye; Bob Hinzman, VFW Post 3647; Roy Teets Jr., American Legion Post 29; the Rev. Terry Cannon, Chapter 812 of Vietnam Veterans of America; Roger Ware, commander of Post 29; Charles Ranew, vice commandant, Crow Detachment, Marine Corps League; Willard Pingley, vice president, Vietnam Veterans Chapter 812; Arthur “Sonny” Hamrick, commander, Post 3647; Alice DeTore, president, Unit 29 Auxiliary; Sandra Morrison, president, VFW auxiliary 3647; Lucy Petrice, president, VFW Post 5583 auxiliary; and Ruth Jones, Gold Star Mother.
