Rainy Memorial Day
American Legion houses ceremony
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American Legion Post 29 Commander John Miller, center, was the emcee for Monday's Memorial Day Celebration.
ELKINS -- Despite the falling rain, the American Legion H.W. Daniels Post 29 presented its annual Memorial Day Celebration in Elkins Monday morning.
The event, originally planned for the All-Veterans Memorial in Elkins, was moved to Post 29 due to the inclement weather.
The ceremony's keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Johnnie Ross, retired from the U.S. Army Reserve after serving 28 years in the Reserve Program. He served with the 561st Corps Support Group during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I have a prepared speech here, but I want to talk about family," Ross said, pointing out how those in the military -- no matter how different they may be -- form bonds by working and living so closely together.
"That's family. That's what we are. And that's what Memorial Day is about," Ross said, taking a moment to thank the families of every veteran present for their support over the years.
Ross is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison for AEP. He serves with the West Virginia Employer Support of the Guard Reserve (ESGR) in the Employer Outreach program. He currently is the Chair of the AEP Military Veterans Employee Resource Group and serves in multiple community organizations in Charleston. Ross has received multiple military awards, including the Bronze Star Award.
Post 29 Commander John Miller was the emcee for Monday's event, thanking those in attendance for coming out despite the rainy weather.
Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco thanked the organizers for asking him to speak, noting that the event was well-attended despite the rain.
The invocation and benediction were given by Post 29 Chaplain Robert Grandusky.
Taps was performed by bugler Roy Teets of VFW Post 3647. Military Honors were presented, with Bob Hinzman in command, by the VFW Post 3647 Firing Squad and the American Legion Post 29 Honor Guard.
Wreaths were placed during the ceremony by a group of local veterans organizations commanders, from the American Legion, the VFW, the Marine Corps and the Vietnam Veterans of America, and ladies auxiliaries presidents from the American Legion and the VFW.