The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley American Legion Post 29 Commander Lennie Whritenour, right, speaks during a Veterans Days Ceremony held Tuesday in Calain Hall. Seated next to Whritenour is City of Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco, left, and guest speaker Jon Oringdulph.

ELKINS — Snow and cold temperatures didn’t hamper American Legion Post 29’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday morning, as the event was moved indoors to Calain Hall.

The event, which was relocated from the All-Veterans Memorial on the corner of Harrison Avenue and Railroad Avenue, is offered each year as a way to celebrate and honor all of those who have served and who are currently serving in the armed forces.

Veterans Day is held annually on Nov. 11, and is a day set aside to thank veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

American Legion Post 29 Commander Lennie Whritenour opened the ceremony on Tuesday with comments, and Bob Grandusky gave the invocation. The Highland Adventist School Chorus then sang the National Anthem.

After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco heard from those in attendance.

“This event is something I enjoy doing every year,” Marco said. “I’m thankful for a lot of things, but I’m especially thankful for our freedom. And it’s because of all the people who have served and who are currently serving, that we have our freedom… Veterans Day is only one day a year, but everybody should take the time to thank a veteran every day. Because without them we wouldn’t have the things we have.”

Retired Navy veteran Jon Oringdulph served as the ceremony’s guest speaker and shared some of his experiences from his time in the military. A Placement of Wreaths ceremony followed Oringdulph’s speech, and Military Honors were conducted by the VFW Post 3647 Firing Squad and American Legion Post 29 Color Guard.

VFW Post 3647’s Roy Teets played “Taps” and Grandusky gave the Benediction. The Highland Adventist School Chorus performed another song before Whitenour closed the ceremony by thanking everyone for attending.

American Legion Post 29 will take part in Wreaths Across America on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Little Arlington Cemetery. For more information on the ceremony or to purchase a wreath, call 304-636-3930.