Weirton honors veterans
By ANGELINA DICKSON, Staff writerArticle Photos
Weirton residents and event officials gathered Wednesday in the Veterans Memorial Court outside the Weirton Millsop Community Center for Veterans Day services.
Veterans 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.
Duke Horstemeyer served as master of ceremonies and the Weir High Band played several selections including the national anthem. The Rev. Jim Rhodes of Mercy Baptist Church gave the invocation and Ward 4 Councilman George Ash welcomed area veterans.
Ash, a veteran, said it was nice to see so many gathered, especially youth, to honor those who have served in the military.
Former U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack Earnest was the guest speaker. He served in the Vietnam War and then returned to Vietnam as a missionary.
Earnest said Veterans Day is held to honor and remember those who "wrote out a blank check to the U.S. government for an amount up to and including their lives." He said there are many students today who are unaware of the significance of the freedoms they have and the sacrifice made to have and to keep those freedoms.
"Veterans fought and continue to fight to keep the United States of America the land of the free and the home of the brave for the children of tomorrow," he said.
"That flag should mean something to every free American," he added. "Veterans Day is not about a sale at your local retail store. It is for remembering those who ensured we can live this American dream."
Earnest said veterans lay down their lives for their friends. He said Veterans Day is not about whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, nor about what religious affiliation "you are associated with, nor your ethnic background."
"This is Veterans Day," he emphasized. "And we are in a country where I can still say 'God bless America' and 'in God we trust' and the Pledge of Allegiance and shed a tear when I see that flag waving in the wind."
Earnest encouraged those in attendance to greet veterans, when they see them, and to shake their hands or a hug and thank them for their service.
Memorial wreaths were presented and placed at the foot of the veterans memorial followed by a 21-gun salute.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
