Marlinton Mayor Joe Smith, military veteran and American Legion Membership Chairman, welcomed those who attended the first Veteran's Day ceremony held at Mountain View Cemetery. Smith spoke about the dedication and sacrifice of American service members.

"As we offer our sincere appreciation in respect to our veterans and to their families, to those who are in harm's way, to those who have been laid to rest, let us rededicate to serving them as well as they have served the United States of America," said Smith.

Smith went on to acknowledge veterans from Pocahontas County and their distinction among all other counties in West Virginia.

"In West Virginia there are 202,000 living veterans. Pocahontas County, per capita, has the highest number of veterans in West Virginia. This cemetery, per capita, has the highest number of deceased veterans of any community cemetery in West Virginia," said Smith.

Arnold Dulaney, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4595, thanked those gathered for attending and introduced Vice Commander of the VFW, Bill Lambert.

"We're here today to honor our military heroes. My personal opinion, anyone, whether male or female, now or who have served in the military in the past, will always be a military hero to me. We should honor these men and women every day of our lives, not just twice a year," said Lambert.

Lambert reminded those gathered of the cost of freedom.

"Folks if you don't take anything else away from here today; remember there are only two entities that have ever given their life for us. The first was Jesus Christ, who gave it for our souls. The American soldier, gave his life for our freedom," he said.

In his prayer Reverend Bob Mann thanked the men and women of the military for their service to our nation.

"Many made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and for each of us. They fought, suffered, and died for the comforts we enjoy every day," said Mann.

The ceremony concluded with the Pocahontas County Veterans Honor Corps performing a three-volley salute, a rifle ceremony performed at military funerals. Commander Barry Sharp ordered arms to the rifle party and served as bugler, playing taps, the traditional honor for deceased veterans.

ﾠ