Veterans Ceremony Had Outstanding Support

Editor:

Thanks to everyone that attended, participated and assisted with the Veterans Day Ceremony at the All Veterans Monument on Nov. 11.

As usual, there was outstanding support from the various businesses and organizations within the community, but what was especially gratifying was the attendance by so many members of the community. Veterans Day is set aside as a time to recognize all members of the armed forces who have honorably served their country. The crowd at the ceremony this Veterans Day shows that our community does in deed recognize the service to our country by our young men and women. Thanks to everyone for your attendance and support.

It was fantastic to have the youth of the community help us honor our veterans. The Black Bear Pathfinders and Highland Adventist School chorus participated and sang the national anthem. Elkins Middle School provided a wreath that was placed by the Commanders. We thank you and appreciate all of your support.

Mayor Judy Guye welcomed everyone and the Rev. Ronald Nestor, chaplain of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3647, gave the invocation and benediction. Richard Doyle, treasurer AVMC, led the pledge of allegiance and “Taps” was played by Roy Teets of the American Legion Post 29 color guard. Post 29 also provided a color guard and the VFW Post 3647 provided a firing squad. Gary Phares, secretary of AVMC and VFW Post 3647 member, and Tom Petrice, commander of VFW Roaring Creek Post 5583, lowered and raised the flags. Thank you all.

Randolph County Commissioner Mike Taylor was the guest speaker. He spoke of the sacrifices that our service members must make and that Randolph County has always provided more than its fair share of folks who serve in the armed forces. He recognized the service of Trooper Brian Linn to his country as a soldier, and he reminded us that the spouses, children and other family members must also sacrifice when one of their loved ones is deployed. Thanks Mike for participating.

Gold Star family members, commanders and auxiliary members placed wreaths to honor the veterans. In addition to the American Legion Post 29, VFW Posts 3647 and 5583, there were also representatives from the Crow Detachment Marine Corps League and Chapter 812 Vietnam Veterans of America. The Elkins Retail Merchants, Tomblyn Funeral Homes and Mary’s Greenhouse also assisted. The Inter-Mountain provided publicity both before and after the ceremony and as always, Pat Corbin came to the rescue whenever we needed help. Thank you one and all.

John Lothes

Vice Chairman, AVMC

Elkins