Article Photos

More than 100 people gathered at the All Veterans Memorial in Elkins on Wednesday to commemorate Veterans Day and honor veterans from all wars and all branches of the armed services. Guest speaker was U.S. Army veteran and Elkins Mayor Duke Talbott, who discussed the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I

"Ninety-one years ago today at this hour, 11 o'clock, on Nov. 11, 1918, the guns of war became silent as the Germans and Austrians signed the Armistice that ended World War I," Talbott said. "It was called the Great War of the time and the war to end all wars."'

He said the Armistice was signed in a railroad car in the fields of Northern France where numerous Americans fought for democracy and freedom.

"This war had started without us. The Europeans had got into it and we followed Gen. George Washington's advice that he had given us many years before to stay out of the affairs of Europe," Talbott said. "It became increasingly difficult to do that because of the German high command."

Talbott said the Germans had a dislike for democracy. Political parties, freedoms of speech, press and religion, and the ideals were alien to them.

"They thought we could do nothing. They did not think we could mobilize and fight a war with them. So they opened unrestricted submarine warfare on our shipping," Talbott said. "Congress declared war on April 6, 1917."

Talbott said Americans did rapidly mobilize to protect our freedoms, but after the war the United States emerged as a major player in world politics.

"We had little trouble adjusting to that role," Talbott said. "We found that American soldiers would respond and we would become in control of our destiny."

Following the ceremony, Davis & Elkins College dedicated the Pullman Room in Halliehust as the Veterans Lounge. The area gives D&E's 35 veterans, including students, staff and faculty, a place to gather and call home on campus.

"We are proud of our service and we are focused on our future," D&E Veterans Student Association President Sam Leach said. "This is a milestone of what we want to accomplish on campus."

D&E President G.T. "Buck" Smith said the college has a rich tradition of supporting those who have served in the armed services. According to Smith, on Dec. 12, 1950, eight students were called to active duty during the Korean War. At that time the faculty voted to allow anyone called to active duty and who had completed half a semester to take a test to receive full credit for the class. Smith said the rule is still on the books.

According to Smith, The Memorial Gymnasium on campus was dedicated in 1952 as a memorial to the 16 students/alumni who died in WWII. Wednesday's dedication of the lounge continued the college's tradition of honoring service personnel.

"It seemed natural that we should have a space on campus for Sam (Leach) and the other 24 veterans who are enrolled here," Smith said.

Smith presented Leach with a new student identification card that shows his veteran status. The other student veterans will also receive the IDs and a free lunch everyday at the campus dining hall.

D&E Trustee Pete Doughtry with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also spoke to those in attendance.

"The ability to give a little back to the veterans and have them enroll in this school is remarkable," Doughtry said.

D&E Admission Counselor and retired U.S. Navy Officer Steve Merrick presented Leach with a paper weight that featured the D&E latin seal. The back of the weight is engraved with, "D&E Veterans Lounge Plank Owner 11-11-09." All of the current D&E veteran students will receive one of the paper weights.

Parson Mayor emphasizes importance of saying thanks

Veterans and supporters gathered at the All Veterans Memorial Wall in Parsons to commemorate the end of World War I on the 11th hour and to honor all of the veterans who have served in the armed forces.

After a welcome from Vickie Mason, assistant pastor of the Parsons First United Methodist Church, James Snyder shared his feelings on the day he was asked to participate in celebrating. Veterans Day shouldn't be just one day, Snyder said, but should be kept in the hearts and minds of everyone year long. He repeatedly thanked the veterans present for their service.

"Each and every one of our veterans have given so much for our country," Snyder said before giving the invocation.

Parsons Mayor Dorothy Judy as well thanked the veterans. Her son spent time in Iraq and she shared a story about the day before he left. The mayor and family were eating in honor of her son when multiple people, even strangers, thanked him for his sacrifice. Judy said that this is how she greets all veterans, with a "big thanks."

The guest speaker, Director of the Louis A. Johnson Medical Center William E. Cox said it was difficult to take the podium after a pastor and a mayor. He spoke from experience when he told the audience about the importance of honoring the veterans. Cox promised he would be brief but wanted to express his thanks to the veterans who were gathered. He also said how proud he was to have served the country.

"The best of all the titles that I've held," Cox said, "is that of West Virginia veteran of the U.S. Airforce."

Lewis Air Force Junior ROTC leader reminds people to thank veterans

The leader of the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Lewis County High School told a gathering on the courthouse steps Wednesday that whether or not they supported the ongoing war, they still should be supportive of those overseas in the military.

Col. Dennis Yamrose said many of those soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are serving their third or fourth deployments not because they want to, but so that others can live in peace and prosperity.

"It's not easy, but they understand the price that others would pay in the future," he said.

Yamrose also told the Veterans Day crowd to thank those who served and "to never tolerate anyone who would show disrespect" to the military veteran.

"Thank a veteran for all that you are and all that you have in America," he said.

Marty Dennison, the commander of Weston American Legion Post 4, said the families of military veterans also deserve praises on this day.

"Without the families supporting our troops, there would be no will to go on," he said. "We would not be here at these festivities without the support of our veterans and without the support of our veterans' families."

ROTC Cadet Lt. Col. Brittany Montgomery served as the day's master of ceremonies. The festivities also included a parade through downtown Weston, featuring the local high school marching band, military units and the county's Honor Guard.

Perdue: Come out and show support

Veterans groups in Barbour County celebrated Veteran's Day on Wednesday with a variety of activities including observances at each memorial park, a parade through downtown Philippi and a ceremony at the Philippi City Building.

Members of the American Legion Post 44 began the morning with ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial Park, the World War I and II Memorial at the Barbour County Courthouse and the Korean War Memorial Park.

Following the ceremonies, a parade made its way through downtown Philippi. Several organizations participated in the parade including Philip Barbour High School, Philippi Middle School and Kasson Elementary/Middle School marching bands, along with the local 4-H groups, dignitaries and members of the VFW and American Legion.

After the parade, an observation ceremony was conducted at the Philippi City Building. American Legion Post 44 Commander David Rowan welcomed several military guests and their families. He also introduced Ruben Purdue, who served as guest speaker.

During his opening remarks, Rowan said all veterans deserve to be recognized for their sacrifice. He said observing Veteran's Day as a holiday is the "least we could do."

"The important part for me, as a veteran, is to honor those who have come before and to show support to those who are serving today," Rowan said. "It's especially important with the rate we are losing World War II veterans that we hold on to every memory that they have. They are the ones who made this country what it is today. They are the ones who really gave the blood, sweat and tears and their lives not knowing. Those are my heroes and those are the ones who we need to recognize."

Buckhannon parade honors veterans

The city of Buckhannon also honored veterans Wednesday with a parade, a service and a luncheon.

Several people lined Main Street to view the 2009 Veteran's Day Parade. Several organizations and groups participated including local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS personal, Boy Scouts, local veterans groups, Shriners, local officials, the B-UHS band and several others.

Following the parade, a short service was conducted on the Courthouse Plaza. Those in attendance were entertained by the B-UHS Marching Band and the B-UHS Show Choir. Several local officials spoke briefly including Buckhannon Mayor Kenny Davidson and Upshur County Commission President Donnie Tenney. The speaker for the service was Lt. Mike Hildreth, a member of the West Virginia National Guards, who spoke about the importance of Veteran's Day. An honor guard consisting of members of VFW Post 3662, American Legion Post 7 and DAV Chapters 5 and 36 performed a gun salute followed by the playing of taps.

Following the service at the Courthouse Plaza, a luncheon was provided for the people at the VFW Hall.