Honoring Veterans
Post 29 hosts annual event paying tribute to military personnel
The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley A large crowd gathered during Saturday’s Veterans Day Celebration at the All-Veterans Memorial. From left, veterans John Miller, Tom Petrice, Donnie Lambert and Jake Roberts stand at attention after the placement of the wreaths during the ceremony.
The Inter-Mountain photo by Joey Kittle A group of veterans march in the Belington Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.
The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley A large crowd gathered during Saturday’s Veterans Day Celebration at the All-Veterans Memorial. From left, veterans John Miller, Tom Petrice, Donnie Lambert and Jake Roberts stand at attention after the placement of the wreaths during the ceremony.
The Inter-Mountain photo by Joey Kittle A group of veterans march in the Belington Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.
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ELKINS -- A large crowd gathered on a sunshine filled Saturday morning at the All-Veterans Memorial as H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration.
The event, which was indoors the past two years due to inclement weather, is held each year in remembrance for all those who have served in the military, past or present.
American Legion Post 29 commander John Miller opened the ceremony by thanking everyone for coming out and then talked about what Veterans Day represents.
"I appreciate everyone showing up today to honor our veterans, the ones who are still with us, and the ones from the past," said Miller. "Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and honor all who served honorably in the military, in wartime and peace. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service and to acknowledge their contributions toward our national security. If you see a veteran, make sure you thank them for all that they have done."
Miller introduced Post 29 member Bob Grandusky, who gave the invocation, and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance before the lowering of the flag was performed by Elkins VFW Post 5583 Commander Tom Petrice.
"Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to honor our veterans on this very special day," said Grandusky. "Let us always remember the sacrifice veterans have given so that we may be able to live in a country that's free."
Several special guests and dignitaries attended the event including Delegate Ty Nestor, R-District 66; Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez, R-District 67; and City of Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco, who spoke during the celebration.
"What a beautiful day and what a difference 24 hours makes, God is definitely shining down on us today and the veterans that are here," said Marco. "Today and everyday, we give our gratitude to those who sacrifice to serve and protect others. On Veterans Day we honor our veterans' unwavering commitment to preserving our freedom … We thank you, we respect you and we love you all."
Miller then introduced guest speaker Daryl Bayless, who is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer and current Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs with the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance.
"There are people across the globe who are free because of U.S. military veterans," said Bayless. "Veterans have not only made our country safer, but also countless millions of people across the world. So I want to say thank you to all the veterans out there."
After Bayless' speech, members of the Marine Corp League Detachment 956, American Legion Post 29, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 812, VFW Post 5583, and VFW 3647 Auxiliary performed the placement of the wreaths.
The VFW Post 3647 Firing Squad and American Legion Post 29 Honor Guard then conducted Military Honors before Roy Teets Jr. performed TAPS and Petrice raised the flag. Grandusky gave the benediction before the ceremony ended.