Honor Guard Fires Salute

Memorial Day, which serves as the unofficial start of the summer season in cities and towns across America, has a greater meaning to most of our local residents. Since the historic days of our country following the Civil War, small towns just like ours across this great land have gathered to honor those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service for our nation.

Sistersville’s riverfront Veterans Park once again served as the gathering spot for those residents wishing to take part in the traditional service of laying wreaths, spoken prayers of gratitude, displaying flags and military salutes.

Quarter Master Chuck Laugh, VFW Post 6327, welcomed the audience and opened the ceremony under bright blue skies and warm temperatures.

Next, Audrey Dennis, winner of this year’s What Memorial Day Means to Me essay contest and 2022 TCHS graduate, spoke about her love of country and the lessons she has learned by those great men and women throughout history whose sacrifice lives on in the pride of their loved ones and at observances like the one taking place at Veteran’s Park.

Local resident Dave Sheldon served as key speaker and addressed the audience sharing his feelings of pride and gratitude for his own family members that had given military service. Dave went on to say those brave Americans that volunteer to serve, knowing death may be the outcome, deserve the assurance that their sacrifice will be met with the thanks and respect of a grateful nation.

A red, white and blue wreath was laid in honor at the launch of Charles Street at the city boat docks by Tina Rucker and Sandi McEowen, both members of the Ladies Auxiliary who were escorted by Raymond BB Smith.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional three-volley salute and Taps. All in attendance were invited by Quarter Master Laugh to a community picnic hosted by the VFW.

Paden City Observes Memorial Day Service

Paden City held her annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30th at the Paden City Park in Paden City, West Virginia. The ceremony began with a welcoming address from Mayor Steve Kastigar under beautiful cloudless blue skies.

Jennifer Yeater delivered the memorial wreath into the Ohio River as a symbol of honor to all veterans that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their county.

Next, Susan Wade read Flanders Field, one of history’s most famous wartime poems written in 1915 by Canadian officer and surgeon, John McCrae. The poem helped popularize the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and explains their significance.

The Sistersville Honor Guard fired the three-volley salute to departed comrades along with the bugle call of Taps.

A special visitor to the memorial service was Esther Yezilski, a United States veteran and just celebrating her 100th birthday. The ceremony concluded with the “Stitching Sisters” presenting handmade quilts to various members of the Sistersville Honor Guard. Members of the Stitching Sisters are Becky Livingston, Joy Hayes, Kay Morris, Iva Lou Martit, Linda Duke, and Alisha Cook.