The Honor Guard and Patriot Guard Riders bow their heads during the DAR ceremony honoring Vietnam Veterans in Sistersville on Monday.

The Ohio Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored all veterans of the Vietnam “era” in Sistersville on April 28, with a ceremony to unveil a display set up in the window of Reliable Supply on Wells St. The display honors those veterans of all branches of the military service from Tyler, Wetzel and Pleasants Counties who served in any capacity in the United States military from 1956 through 1975.

The display will remain in the Reliable Supply window for the next month and will then be permanently displayed at the Sistersville VFW Post #6327.

Marilyn Rogers, DAR Ohio Valley Chapter Regent emceed the event before a nice crowd with participation from the Sistersville VFW Post 6327 and American Legion Post 67 honor guard and the Patriot Guard Riders.

Several speakers at the event spoke of the hardships Vietnam veterans faced both during their time in the service as well as when they returned home and were grateful to the DAR for recognizing their service to America. “It is a humbling, sobering experience,” said one.

The Vietnam war lasted 19 years. During that time, casualties numbered 58,178 with the state of West Virginia having the highest casualty rate in the nation at 711. More than 900 veterans names from Tyler, Pleasants and Wetzel counties grace the DAR display.

DAR OV Chapter Regent Marilyn Rogers.

“We are grateful for all of their service,” Rogers said.

At right, Danny Grimm gives all in attendance pause as he plays “Taps”