Community volunteers place flags on graves at Fraternal Cemetery
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Submitted photo
Pictured far left is Vietnam veteran Bill Guthrie. Kneeling far left is John Sturm, a Dessert Storm and Global War on Terroism veteran. Also pictured is Girl Scout troop 10007 leader Angela Golden, along with scouts Samantha Hamilton, Emilee Burner and Taylor Stuttler. Belington's VFW Post 410 commander Bernie Corley is center while taking a knee. Members of the Philip Barbour football program include coach Chris Halterman, coach Frank Kyle, Dylan Stuart, Brandon Carpenter, Jesiah Matlick, coach Elijah Matlick, Keaton McDermott, Kemper Longwell, Marshall Nestor, head coach Nick Mayle and coach Marcus Johnson. Colts that participated but were not pictured include Kaden Humphreys, Brenden Crummel and coach Toby Poling. Others not pictured include the Barbour Strutters and coach Patricia Delauder.
BELINGTON -- To celebrate Memorial Day around 100 volunteers visited the Fraternal Cemetery recently to place American flags on the graves of many Barbour County veterans who have served to help defend the United States of America.
Philippi native and United States Marine Bernie Corley helped organize the gathering.
"My entire family has served in the military, I don't want this to be about me," Corley said. "I would like to focus on honoring those that have passed. Whether they served during peace time or war they all deserve our respect and gratitude.
"Service to one's country is a noble and honorable act, to sacrifice and give so much for a bigger cause. I am proud to have served but I am even more proud of those who have served and gone before me, they are why I do what I do. I do not want their sacrifices to be forgotten."
Corley said there was a tremendous turnout for the annual tradition.
"I would like to thank everyone who came out to honor our local veterans," he said. "We had a great turn out, many more were present that did not make the picture. I would say we had close to 100 volunteers show up.
"This is my third year as (VFW) Post 410's commander and by far this has been the most humbling experience so far. I cannot thank Nick, Marcus, Patty and Angela enough for bringing your kids out." Corley said.
Military veterans, scout troops, individuals and members of the PBHS football team were all on the grounds to take part in the placing of American flags.
"We were not able to hold a public event last year and we wanted to make it special this year." Corley said. "I put out a social media post asking for volunteers. I thought it would be a great opportunity for our youth to learn about service and sacrifice so I sort of challenged the area coaches a little.
"Nick (Mayle) jumped at the opportunity immediately and told me he wanted his boys involved. Things grew from there, the post got shared and my phone blew up with interest from folks throughout the community.
"It is my goal to expand this event to more cemeteries in the county if we can keep this level of commitment and volunteerism, there is no reason why we can't." he said.
Corley also touched on the beauty there is when any area is donned with the American Flag in celebration.
"This event is in conjunction with our Memorial Day ceremony coming up this Monday at 11 a.m., we have a lot going on this next week," he added.
"This past Sunday we attempted to place a flag on every veteran's grave in the cemetery. If we missed anyone we are truly sorry. This Saturday the 29th VFW and the American Legion Post 96 will place dozens of American flags on 20-foot flag poles lining the roadways throughout the entire (Belington area Fraternal) cemetery.
"It really looks great once it's all finished. On Monday VFW Post 410, American Legion Post 96 and VFW Auxiliary will hold a ceremony at the cemetery, wreaths will be laid for each branch of the military.
"The names of all veterans laid to rest in that cemetery will be read. American Legion Honor Guard will fire a gun volley and taps will be played. Immediately following the ceremony VFW post 410 Auxiliary will host a picnic at the VFW Park in Belington. The park is located near Crab Bottom alongside the banks of the Tygart River. The entire community is welcome to attend."