Weirton to honor veterans
By ANGELINA DICKSON, Staff writerArticle Photos
The Weirton Millsop Community Center is set to host the Weirton Veteran's Day memorial ceremony, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2716 in Weirton, on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
Veteran's Day, once called Armistice Day, honors the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when all laid down their weapons during World War I. It is meant to honor those who have passed on and those who survive having given their lives to protect freedom and the American way.
Weather permitting, the ceremony will be hosted outside in the Veteran's Memorial Court where Weir High's Band and choir will perform the music for the ceremony. Members of the Boy Scouts of America, Tri-State Young Marines, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Knights of Columbus are among the many planning to attend.
According to organizer Bob Williams, a guest speaker is scheduled and representatives from each war will present memorial wreaths during the Veteran's Day memorial ceremony. He said members of the Elks, the Moose Lodge and many other organizations are coming out to honor those who have served in the U.S. Military.
Williams said the Rev. Jim Rhodes will be present to give the invocation and the benediction. The American Legion, which sponsors the Memorial Day ceremony annually, will present a firing squad for the gun salute during the ceremony as well.
Duke Horstemeyer will serve as the master of ceremonies for the Weirton Veteran's Day memorial ceremony.
In addition to the Veteran's Day memorial ceremony, one local business is going to honor veterans on Monday.
Ponderosa Steakhouse in Weirton will be serving veterans visiting the Three Springs Drive location for free. Company representatives stated this service is going to be taking place within each Ponderosa Steakhouse restaurant to honor veterans this year.
A 21-gun salute will be held on Nov. 9 at noon as well.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
